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.
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