During training in Brisbane, Walsh was picked out in an unexpected event.
Payne Haas, a prop with the Broncos, has corroborated reports regarding Reece Walsh but dismissed worries about the star fullback’s condition, stating that he returned to preseason training in better shape than ever before. This week, Walsh was at the focus of a concerning development when it was revealed that, in a preseason fitness test, he was among several players falling behind their teammates.
In order to prepare the team as fit as possible for the next NRL season, new Broncos coach Michael Maguire has been leading some demanding practices at Red Hill, frequently in the sweltering Brisbane heat. However, during Monday’s fitness test, Walsh, along with colleagues Selwyn Cobbo and Martin Taupau, were lingering near the back of the pack, according to sports reporter Ted Roker of Channel 10 in Brisbane.
Jordan Riki led the way in his first session back at the club following his international duty with New Zealand, according to Roker, who was present at the Red Hill training session. His assessment, however, was less positive for Walsh, Cobbo, and seasoned front-rower Taupau, who seemed to lag far behind the rest of the team in terms of fitness.
Billy Walters and Jock Madden were near the top of the pack, according to the same report, despite Madden allegedly being told he is free to seek elsewhere because the team signed Ben Hunt. After Ben Hunt was signed, who is anticipated to take Walters’ place at hooker once Ezra Mam becomes available, and his father Kevin was fired as coach, Walters’ future may also be in doubt.
However, colleague Jesse Arthars disclosed last week that Walsh and Haas had been leading the team in preseason training, thus the news regarding Walsh’s fitness comes as a shock. However, Haas stated that there was nothing to worry about in regards to Walsh, as the dynamic fullback hopes to get past a dismal 2024 and be at his peak the next season.
Despite fitness concerns, Payne Haas stands up for Reece Walsh.
Nonetheless, Haas acknowledged that Walsh was towards the rear of the group on Monday. “To be honest, Walshy is probably the fittest he’s come back and pre-season is tough so all the boys are having a red-hot crack and they’re going well,” he stated to 10 News. The prop claimed that the Broncos team had accepted their new coach’s tough style and that it was too early in the preseason to worry about the players’ disparate levels of fitness.Following a forgettable 2024 season in which the Broncos finished 12th and missed the playoffs after reaching the grand final the year before, Maguire was brought in to raise the club’s standards. Brisbane’s defence and mistakes were two of their biggest problems the previous season, and the team’s mindset was regularly questioned. Maguire will be eager to rectify these issues.
Additionally, Haas, who has previously received coaching from Maguire at the State of Origin level for the Blues, claims that the team has embraced the new coach’s emphasis on accountability and work ethic. “As a youthful bunch, we simply value being forthright and honest with one another. We’re taking that away this preseason, and the boys are all buying into it and having a great time,” Haas stated.
“Having Madge (Maguire) in Origin, I am aware of his motivations. It has been simpler to transfer because I am aware of what he offers and what he expects from us players. I’ve now had three coaches, so I’m accustomed to it all.only maintaining consistency. We got off to a good start in 2024, but we faltered towards the end and throughout the Origin era. Football is a mental game. We must continue to show up every week even if our bodies hurt.
