NRL 2021: Paul Turner rejects Broncos offer in Reece Walsh deal

Rising star Reece Walsh’s request for an immediate move to the Warriors has been thrown in disarray after a Warriors young gun refused a move to the Broncos.

Reece Walsh has been released to join the Warriors. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Broncos whizkid Reece Walsh’s hopes of an immediate $1.2 million move to the Warriors have suffered a setback after a straight-swap deal with Paul Turner collapsed.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Warriors rookie Turner and his management have rejected the terms of a transfer deal, leaving Walsh in limbo after the 18-year-old young gun had made a formal request for an early release with Broncos coach Kevin Walters.

The Broncos gave Walsh permission to leave immediately on the proviso of a player trade and the Warriors replied in kind by offering the services of highly-rated utility back Turner.

Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Reece Walsh will have to stick around at Red Hill a little longer. Picture: Liam Kidston

But the Broncos were unable to strike a deal that was palatable to Turner, throwing Walsh’s planned move to the Warriors in the coming days in disarray.

Walsh is keen to be mentored by Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who will defect to rugby union next season, and was so convinced the transfer deal was going ahead he personally farewelled Broncos players in COVID camp in Sydney before returning home to Brisbane.

But unless the Warriors can nominate another suitable replacement, Walsh will remain at Red Hill with the Broncos’ feeder-club Norths Devils in the Intrust Super Cup.

One impediment to the straight swap is the nature of Walsh and Turner’s NRL contracts.

While Walsh is on a development contract at the Broncos, the 20-year-old Turner has a full-time deal in the Warriors’ top 30 squad.

Brisbane have one spot left in their top 30, set aside for the planned purchase of Wests Tigers playmaker Billy Walters, and Turner’s arrival would fill the Broncos’ NRL quota.

Paul Turner (right) playing his first NRL game last season. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Warriors rookie Hayze Perham was initially offered up to the Broncos but Brisbane’s preferred option was Turner, a speedy fullback or halfback who made his NRL debut last year.

Walters had agreed to release Walsh but if the parties cannot resurrect a straight-swap the teenager will be forced to see out the final six months of his Broncos deal.

That scenario could be a boost for the Broncos, who would have Queensland under-18s sensation Walsh available for NRL selection from round 11 onwards.

“He is signed there for next year and he was keen to pursue that and we didn’t want to stop him getting his way,” Walters said before the Turner trade took a surprise twist.

“We could have played Reece (in the NRL) later in the year but that won’t be happening now.

“That’s OK, we have other good young kids coming through so we will give them the opportunity.”

Warriors consultant Phil Gould, one of the code’s sharpest minds, believes Turner would have been an asset for the Broncos.

“Pauli’s a great kid,” he said on social media.

“I know coaches are very pleased with his work ethic.

“Players who work hard to assist preparation of (an) NRL team each week are very much part of team effort.

“Paul will be ready when his chance comes.”

Broncos fullback Jamayne Isaako said Brisbane players were in the dark on Walsh’s situation.

“Reece is a good young kid and really skilful player,” Isaako said.

“I think he has gone home but I don’t really know too much about what’s going on with him and his contract stuff at the moment. I think it’s for everyone upstairs to worry about.”

Now or never for under-siege halves

The careers of Broncos halfbacks Tom Dearden and Brodie Croft are on the line with Brisbane coach Kevin Walters challenging the duo to stand up and prove which playmaker is Brisbane’s long-term No.7.

Walters admits he has yet to settle on the halfback that can snap Brisbane‘s 15-year premiership drought as the Broncos prepare for Thursday night’s daunting road trip to face South Sydney at Stadium Australia.

The Broncos coach came under fire from NRL legends Mal Meninga and Greg Alexander for axing Croft to the bench in favour of Dearden for last week‘s 40-6 loss to premiers Melbourne at AAMI Park.

The Broncos career of Brodie Croft is on the line.

But Walters is putting the ball firmly in the court of his playmakers, saying the onus is on Dearden and Croft to prove they are capable of being Brisbane’s consistent commander at the scrumbase.

Walters is one of rugby league’s greatest playmakers, having won six premierships during his stellar 291-game career, and the Broncos coach concedes he is still searching for Brisbane’s standout choice at halfback.

“To be honest, I haven‘t got a firm opinion on who our best halfback is,” he said.

“It’s up to those guys (Croft and Dearden) to stand up and show me what they are capable of.

“I am still giving Brodie and Tom different opportunities and Anthony Milford (five-eighth) is in that mix as well.

“I’m not settled on my halves just yet and the truth is it may take me some time to work out what the best combinations are.

“We are four rounds into a 25-round season.”

Broncos’ $1 million man Anthony Milford is fighting for his future at Red Hill.

Dearden, off-contract at season’s end, has been retained at halfback for the Souths clash and it shapes as a tough test for the 20-year-old, who will match wits with in-form Rabbitohs rival Adam Reynolds.

Croft has been named as Brisbane’s No.14 utility and is entitled to be disappointed after being demoted for the Storm clash, just six days after steering Brisbane to a 24-0 defeat of the Bulldogs.

Walters said he had spoken to Croft about his preference for Dearden.

“Brodie is fine, he is a good team man,” Walters said.

“I didn’t just say you are out. I gave Brodie some good explanations, myself and Terry Matterson (assistant coach) showed him some stuff on video about the areas he needed to be better and he agreed with that.

“He copped it on the chin. He’s fine.”

The Broncos have suffered a blow for the Souths showdown after hulking centre Herbie Farnworth, Brisbane’s best player in the opening month, was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Tom Dearden has been given the No.7 nod again this weekend.

Farnworth is replaced by former Souths utility back Richie Kennar, while lock Pat Carrigan is suspended for one game for a crusher tackle, paving the way for Tevita Pangai Jnr to return to the starting side.

Brisbane fullback Jamayne Isaako said the Broncos needed to find stability in their playmaking spine to recover as a finals force.

“It’s a big thing ... chopping and changing halves all the time can sometimes ruin the confidence of the team,” he said.

“Everyone knows if you don‘t put in, your spot can be up for the next person who is working to play in the jersey.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Paul Turner rejects Broncos offer in Reece Walsh deal