Reece returns to help spark win as Origin fire burns

Returning early from a PCL injury, Reece Walsh provided an instant impact for his team who helped their captain Adam Reynolds celebrate his 300th NRL game in style.

“I was trying to get back last week, and I kept telling the coaches and that to shut up and let me just get in there,” Walsh said.

“Had a bit of a mishap at training, but I was never going to miss it.”

Having a hand in the opening points of the night – throwing a long ball out to Gehamat Shibasaki who ran through for the first of his side's eight tries as the Broncos defeated the Titans 44-14 – Walsh showed what the Broncos had been missing since Round 7.

“I probably felt over the last sort of couple of months, knowing that Ezra [Mam] and Reece had to come back … if ever you see a line break or something like that, you see those two pretty close behind,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said post match.

“To see Reece come in and bring the energy that he does, and anytime there was a half break or something happening, those boys were rolling around in the action, so it's good to have them back.”

While chomping at the bit to return for the Broncos as soon as he could, Walsh said the forced time away from the game was a bit of a blessing in disguise, with the star fullback using the opportunity to reset after a tough opening few rounds.

“Big time. I had a lot of time to reflect on just the start of my year,” Walsh said.

“I had a really good pre-season and I didn't start the year too well.

“Obviously, (the win over the Titans) that's just one game.

“It is good to be back. It feels good.

"I had time off where I could get away from footy a little bit, just rejuvenate myself.

“I work a lot of my skills and my craft and I felt pretty natural out there tonight.

“I know I'm a work in progress and I just got to keep myself honest, keep reviewing my game and getting better where I can.”

However, Walsh did send a scare through the club when he seemed to be struggling with his knee after attempting to step off it for a run, only to quash those fears soon after when he ran in for back-to-back tries in the closing moments to ensure his team finished the game on a high.

“Just jarred it up. I think it's pretty common with a PCL," Walsh said. 

“Got caught in an awkward position, still strong and stable, so I think it really well.

“Lucky we're going into a bye and can look after it a little bit more."

With the Queensland team being named by coach Billy Slater on Monday morning, Walsh is unlikely to feature having only played the once game back since missing six matches, but the desire to return to the Origin arena still burns for Walsh.

“You never know what happens! See how we go,” Walsh said of his chances of being selected again during the 2025 series.

“When you are a Queenslander, that's all you want to do.

“If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I'll be there and ready to go, but if he doesn't, I'll still be cheering the boys, backing them at home.”

The Broncos next have a week off with a bye and will return to action in Round 16 when they host the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.