NRL fans were left concerned as Reece Walsh lined-up to play for the Broncos having struggled in the warm-up, before a second-half display ignited calls for him to return to the Origin arena. The Broncos were looking to string two performances together for the first time in a while as they entered the clash at Suncorp after a victory two weeks ago against the Titans.
However, Walsh was visibly struggling when going through his routine with his right leg still strapped. Walsh returned from his PCL injury two weeks ago and appeared to be rejuvenated. However, the 22-year-old wasn’t moving as well ahead of the Sharks clash and it was pointed out by Fox Sports sideline reporter Eloise Sohier.
“Reece Walsh warmed-up metres away from me. He looked really uncomfortable. He called for extra strapping on that right knee,” she said.
And Melbourne Storm legend Cooper Cronk suggested he wasn’t moving well in the first play of the game. “His first touch off the scrum wasn’t exactly dynamic,” Cronk said in commentary.
This prompted questions to why Michael Maguire played Walsh when he was visibly struggling with his knee injury. And the pressure quickly piled on the Broncos having entered half-time 22-12 down after some horror defensive efforts.
Walsh was involved in one when Teig Wilton made a break through the Broncos line and easily stepped back on the inside past the fullback. Walsh looked slow to react, clearly hampered by his injury. He was also at fault for rushing off the line in the Sharks’ first try in the second-half with Brisbane looking in disarray.
Many tipped Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey if could string a few games together. However, Walsh’s grimacing before kick-off wouldn’t fill Maguire or Queensland coach Billy Slater with much confidence. And fans were left concerned over Walsh’s participation for Brisbane after struggling through the first 40 minutes.
However, Walsh was the difference in the second-half having laid on two try assists to break open the game and ignite a Broncos comeback. The Broncos came from 16 points down to win 34-28. And after the game former Broncos coach Kevin Walters asked Walsh about the injury. And the fullback moved to dismiss any concerns.
“It’s good Kev. It’s a work in progress. I am just getting use to the feeling of it,” Walsh said to Fox Sports after the game. While Walsh may not be fully fit, he still showed he has plenty of X-factor and can be the difference maker in any game. Fans questioned whether he was pushing for a recall under Billy Slater, which would move Kalyn Ponga to the bench or drop out completely.
Payne Haas injury worries Broncos and NSW fans
Another concern for the Broncos and NSW was the injury to Payne Haas. The NSW prop has been the best player for the Blues and Broncos in 2025, but carried a groin injury into Game 2 of Origin. And it appeared to be limiting him early in the clash against the Sharks with the forward leaving the field and heading straight down the tunnel.
In good news for both teams, Haas returned with extra strapping and continued for his side. Both Maguire and NSW coach Laurie Daley will be hoping the best prop in the game remains fit with the forward a key player for both sides.
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