The actions of the young fullback were in complete contrast to that of his Brisbane teammates.
Brisbane Broncos players are rallying around Reece Walsh after the young fullback cut a forlorn figure while his teammates were celebrating their win over the Cowboys. The Broncos bounced back to winning ways in a 26-16 victory on Friday night, one week after going down to the Raiders.
But despite the win, Walsh was clearly disappointed with a second-straight sub-par performance. The 22-year-old set up a try for Jesse Arthars in the second half, and broke four tackles while running for 141 metres.
But he produced another five errors after four against Canberra last week. The fullback fumbled the ball multiple times while trying to create opportunities for his outside men, and two of the errors came on the first tackle.
The 22-year-old cut a frustrated figure on the field, and he also looked dejected in the dressing sheds while his teammates were signing the victory song. The majority of his teammates were up-and-about while singing the song, but Walsh’s reaction was very understated.
Broncos players full of support for Reece Walsh
Patrick Carrigan wrapped an arm around him after noticing how flat Walsh was, and teammates have now spoken out to back the under-fire No.1. “People will probably beat up on Reece for a few things, but he had some impressive moments” said Ben Hunt. “A 40-20, he set up a try and I thought his defence was excellent.
“That’s one of the best things about Reece. If he makes an error, he doesn’t take it with him. He is back out there trying to play again and playing his footy so we will just encourage him to do that.”
Captain Adam Reynolds said: “It will turn, I thought he was good, I thought he ran the ball strong into the line. He organised the D (defence). He scrambled across in the corner to save tries. We sort of sit there and nitpick at the little mistakes that he makes but there’s a lot of great things that he’s doing as well so he’ll keep working hard and no doubt he’ll come out of this.”
Michael Maguire sure Reece Walsh will bounce back
Coach Michael Maguire was also impressed with Walsh’s defence, which they worked on during the week after the Raiders game. “We had a strong defensive line and that comes from what Reece does out the back,” Madge said. “There is 50/50 in the game – defence and attack – and I thought Reece was excellent defensively.
“The other side of the game will come. You could see him rallying the boys around. You don’t defend like we did if you don’t have a fullback rallying his troops. I was pleased with that.”
Maguire conceded Walsh is probably trying too hard with ball in hand, and the Broncos want him to think about running more rather than passing. “I have had players like Reece who go through little periods in their careers and it helps define who you are. It makes you a better player,” Maguire said.
“He probably doesn’t feel that at the moment but one thing I do know is that he will be better for it when he keeps working his way through it. He has got a good supportive team around him. Reece will be right.”
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