Reece Walsh is heading back to Suncorp, in a move that could define a generation.
With Walsh reportedly signing a three-year deal from 2023, the Broncos now have a core of young talent for the next few years.
This group includes Patrick Carrigan, a man tipped to be a future leader of club and state; Thomas Fleger; Payne Haas, arguably the game’s best forward; Herbie Farnworth; Selwyn Cobbo; Ezra Mam; Kotoni Staggs; TC Robati;Jordan Riki; and Brendan Piakura.
Add to this captain Adam Reynolds and Kurt Capewell, both of whom are signed on through to 2024, and Brisbane are shaping to be a formidable side, with a perfect mix of youth and experience, poise and destruction, that has the potential to terrorise opponents.
This is especially the case as raw talents like Mam and Cobbo – who only have a handful of first-grade games between them – continue to mature and improve.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
At 19, Walsh adds youth and a creative spark that has seen him register ten tries and 19 try assists in his 30 first-grade matches.
Add to this average running metres of 123 per game and the young fullback has all the attributes to be a great fullback.
The obvious question around Walsh’s arrival is what it means for Cobbo, who has developed nicely on the wing this year, but is touted as the game’s next great fullback and a nightmare for New South Wales in years to come.
Cobbo will need to spend his apprenticeship – much like one of the game’s other great modern fullbacks, Greg Inglis – initially on the wing, like he has this season, but eventually at centre, where he will receive more football and cause more destruction.
The fact that the biggest problem for Kevin Walters is how to fit their incredibly talented superstars into the roster highlights just how far the club has come since taking their maiden wooden spoon in 2020.
Walsh’s signing establishes their spine, adds to their young core, and allows the game’s top youngsters to learn from a great leader in Adam Reynolds, whose control will allow the attacking talents of those around him to thrive.
On the flip side, the Warriors, while losing a mercurial talent, receive an established star in Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad who loves the country and has a competitive drive that will help build the club.
It seems to be a real win-win move, although one party is clearly the bigger winner.
Nat
Roar Guru
I think they are crazy to let Martin walk, Sure he isn’t the most dynamic but we haven’t had such a good defensive FB in some time. Last week got away after he went off.
Nat
Roar Guru
Not sure about Herbie. Love him to stay but this non committal isn’t helping the plans. Oates will need a fair haircut but there’s not a whole lot behind him not many that can do what he does on his good days. Yeah, just a thought on Staggs. He needs to get more involved and wants to do a little ball playing so I’d consider it.
Nat
Roar Guru
I’m looking forward to seeing Willison with more game time. If he puts in a good showing this weekend it might end this constant bench change up.
Rellum
Roar Guru
There are other potential stars coming through around the same age as Mam and Cobbo, Mozer being the most expected to succeed.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Nui is on borrowed time. He has not shown any potential as a fullback. I agree with you he is a centre. I think Walsh moving into the halves is the only way to keep them all in the future.
matth
Roar Guru
I think Staggs is a pure centre who needs to learn to pass. In the middle his fend won’t be as potent. Is Herbie sticking with Brisbane? You’d think at some point one of these young stars will want more money than is available and will move on, just not sure who.
Nat
Roar Guru
Good situation but tricky balance with these young players. The one not being discussed in Niu and where he fits in this roster, if at all. For the moment I would keep Cobbo on the wing, Reece at FB and Mam outside Reynolds. That way they all touch the ball on numerous occasions each game. In the future, Kevvie might consider moving Staggs into lock and a more mature and bigger Niu into the center position. Staggs might offer a bit of leg speed and mongrel into the middle.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
It is starting to remind me of the position the Broncos were in around 2013-14 when every second player was a fullback, and they were obsessed with trying to turn each of them into a five-eighth. Corey Norman, Ben Barba, and Josh Hoffman come to mind. I think it became far more of a settled and balanced squad in 2015 with Darius Boyd at fullback and Anthony Milford as the #6.
Tony
Roar Guru
Except Staags. He can't pass the ball but wants to be 5/8
EastOfDivide
Guest
You’d Walsh wouldn’t have come cheap already. Now we just have to wait for Cobbo not being happy, as he just wants to play fullback. They all want to be the fullback!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I this the era when the Broncos hang on to their best talent and the Storm miss out?
Tony
Roar Guru
They've certainly got some good, young talent. Keeping them all happy, and deciding which ones to keep will be the challenge.