Brisbane star dazzles in comeback match, sends clear message to Queensland selectors
Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has made a blistering return to NRL action, turning his seven-week injury layoff into a statement performance that reignites his State of Origin hopes.
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In his first game back since suffering a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, the 22-year-old lit up Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane’s dominant 44-14 victory over the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday night.
Walsh orchestrated the opening try with a 25-metre spiral pass and later crossed the line twice himself, underlining his explosive footwork, speed, and vision.
Walsh had been the Maroons’ incumbent fullback in 2023, but his early-season injury cost him a place in Queensland’s Game I squad, with Kalyn Ponga stepping into the No. 1 jersey in their 18-6 loss to New South Wales. While his return may have come too late to feature in Game II in Perth, Walsh is adamant he’s ready to answer the call if coach Billy Slater needs him.
“When you are a Queenslander, that’s all you want to do,” Walsh said post-match. “If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I’ll be there and ready to go. If not, I’ll still be backing the boys at home.”
The young star revealed he used the injury break to reset mentally and sharpen his skillset.
“I had time off where I could get away from footy and rejuvenate myself. I worked a lot on my skills and my craft… I felt pretty natural out there,” he reflected.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, who celebrated his 300th NRL game, praised Walsh’s return.
“He’s a big part of our team. He’s an X-factor—not just with the ball but in his defensive work too. It makes a huge difference,” Reynolds said.
Despite a scare when he jarred his recovering knee during the match, Walsh played on and assured fans that the joint remains strong and stable.
“I got caught in an awkward position but handled it well,” he said,
adding that the team’s upcoming bye will give him time to rest and recover further.
With Queensland’s Game II squad to be announced soon, Walsh has done all he can to force his way into contention—and sent a timely reminder of why he remains one of the most electrifying players in the game.
