He’s now the best player in the NRL. This is how Walsh can get better

11 hours ago 2

Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds has warned the rugby league world Reece Walsh’s ascent is far from over, predicting the superstar fullback had only scratched the surface of his potential.

As Reynolds helped the club launch Brisbane’s Premiership Trophy Tour in Papua New Guinea, Walsh announced himself as a global phenomenon on Test debut – his two-try heroics inspiring the Kangaroos to a 26-6 Ashes triumph.

It followed the 23-year-old’s groundbreaking finals series, as he orchestrated three come-from-behind wins against Canberra, Penrith and Melbourne – scoring twice and coming up with six try assists and seven linebreak assists in those games, before claiming the Clive Churchill Medal.

Reece Walsh was on fire in his Kangaroos debut.

Much of Walsh’s success came on the back of injecting himself into the contest rather than waiting for it to come, coming up with more tough carries while also jumping in at first receiver frequently.

But there was still more he could achieve, according to Reynolds.

“There’s no limit on Walshy and how good he can be. He’s getting better defensively and putting himself in situations to stop tries,” Reynolds said.

“We all know about his attacking brilliance, but it’s those little things in defence where he’s getting better.”

Reynolds said Walsh’s knowledge of the game was continually getting better.

“I didn’t learn the game until 100 games in, and he’s certainly learning a lot quicker than I did,” he said. “He’s still young, he’s still learning his craft … he’s hungry and determined to get better.”

Speaking as he launched his autobiography On My Own Terms– named because he felt “I’ve been questioned my whole life” – Reynolds also refused to rule out playing beyond the end of his 2026 contract.

Teenager Coby Black is being groomed as a long-term option to partner five-eighth Ezra Mam, while former Cowboy Tom Duffy will arrive at Red Hill on a one-year deal. Melbourne’s Jonah Pezet is also set to join the fold from 2027 after spending a season with Parramatta.

“If I’m playing good football next year, am fit and healthy and enjoying myself, then I don’t see a reason to end that,” Reynolds said, confirming his desire to one day be an NRL head coach.

“Jonah Pezet is a great young kid from all I’ve heard, but we’ve got Coby Black here as well. Competition is important in squads, and you need that to be successful.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Coby Black … I know he won’t be giving up that spot without a fight. I take myself back to when I debuted and myself and Ryan Carr were fighting it out for that seven jersey at Souths, and it brings the best out of one another.”

Reynolds revealed he had returned to training after suffering a calf injury during the grand final, although he was yet to run any more than a jog. As for their chances of a title defence under coach Michael Maguire, the 35-year-old was adamant they could achieve that.

Maguire copped a trial by media across the first half of his inaugural season at the Broncos, with reports of overtraining his troops, with spew buckets the norm, as they pursued the fitness needed to achieve greatness.

Those tough standards, however, ultimately brought the end of a 19-year title drought, as they won seven of their last 14 games while trailing during the second half.

While the Broncos suffered a dramatic freefall from 2023 grand finalists to a 12th-place finish the following year, Reynolds was adamant history would not repeat from those days, nor those following his 2014 premiership with South Sydney.

Adam Reynolds picked up his second premiership ring this year.

“We’re scratching the surface with the way we’re playing. We had a turnover of coaches, some new players come in, and we were still learning systems halfway through the year,” Reynolds said.

“We didn’t have a turnover of players like we did in 2014, but we lost some key figures. Sam Burgess, Ben Te’o – losing two big figures like that in your club is always hard to find replacements for.

“I feel like we’re in a position now where we’ve got a lot of young blokes who are turning into senior players, and becoming better footballers. They’re only getting better and hungrier than ever to succeed.”

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