NRL 2022: Broncos signing Reece Walsh reveals truth behind Kevin Walters clash, Dolphins snubbing

New Brisbane Broncos signing Reece Walsh has revealed the truth behind his decision to snub NRL newcomers the Dolphins - and says it had nothing to do with Wayne Bennett.

Reece Walsh. Picture: NRL Photos

Reece Walsh is coming home. Back to Brisbane to fulfil a childhood dream of playing for the Broncos in the NRL.

His decision sent shockwaves through the NRL last week, leaving Brisbane fans in raptures and frustrating supporters of the Dolphins, who had openly coveted his signature.

In an exclusive interview with News Corp, Walsh has opened up on his decision to request a release from the Warriors, his desire to be closer to his young daughter, his relationship with Brisbane coach Kevin Walters and his love for the Broncos.

“I am really pleased with the decision I have made and I am coming home,” Walsh said. “My childhood dream has come true.”

THE REQUEST

A few weeks ago, Walsh sat down with his agent Nash Dawson, Warriors chief executive Cameron George and the club’s head of football Craig Hodges to broach the idea of a release.

The issue had been playing on his mind ever since he and his partner had gone their separate ways. Walsh couldn’t stand the thought of being separated from his daughter Leila.

Even then, it took him some time to work up the courage to raise the matter with Warriors officials. Walsh feels an enormous debt of gratitude to the Warriors for giving him a chance and supporting him through some challenging times.

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Reece Walsh will leave New Zealand at the end of the year. Picture: Fiona Goodall/Getty

But his loyalty to the Warriors was never going to usurp his dedication to his daughter.

“The Warriors were so good to me and that is why it made it hard,” Walsh said.

“I did want to repay them and give back to them for helping me through a tough time. It was tough to sit down and talk to Cam and have a conversation about my family situation and what was going on behind the scenes.

“It was a hard conversation to have but in saying that the club are run by amazing people and they fully understood.

“I was really grateful and really happy with how they took it and how much support they gave to me. I didn’t feel I could [go to New Zealand] and miss crucial parts of my daughter growing up.

“I don’t think I was ready to leave all that behind and go over to New Zealand by myself. For her to be here and grow up, and me to miss her ride a bike of the first time and go to school for the first time, it was going to be too hard.”

Reece Walsh with his daughter Leila. Picture: Instagram

Walsh knows what it is like to come from the broken home. His mother and father split when he was three. He wanted to make sure he was there for Leila whenever she needed him.

“When I am making these decisions I am not just thinking about myself any more,” he said.

“My daughter is the main reason I go out there and do what I do. It is for her. I want her to grow up and know that I love her and that I am there for her.

“I want her to look at me and be proud of me. I want to give her the life I never got. I grew up with mum and dad being split – it was really tough.

“I didn’t want my daughter to grow up and think that I am not there and that I don’t love her and I don’t want to be with her, because I do love her with all my heart and I will do anything for that little girl.

“For me to be able to stay in Queensland, I couldn’t give that up. She means the world to me mate.”

THE BRONCOS

Once Walsh made the decision to request a release from the Warriors, there was only one place he was going to go.

Walsh joined the Broncos as a 13-year-old and in his heart, he never left. He watches their games religiously and stays in touch with many of his former teammates.

“They [The Warriors] asked the question about where I would prefer to go,” Walsh said.

“I said I have an awesome relationship with everyone back in Brisbane and I have a lot of really good mates in Brisbane.

“I felt that would be a pretty easy transition for me to go back to Brissie. I have been there since I was 13 years old. It is a club I always wanted to play for.

How Brisbane announced the signing.

“I grew up supporting the Broncos. I have always wanted to pull on a Broncos jersey. When I did leave it was tough. I had a lot of really good mates there.

“I always watched their games. I don’t think I have ever missed a game. I would always smile sitting there and watching the boys play.

“I would always think maybe one day. When I got the opportunity to come back to the Broncos, I was not going to give it up.”

He could have earned more money elsewhere, notably at the Dolphins, but he insists this call wasn’t about lining his pocket. Nor, he says, should it be taken as a reflection on the Dolphins or Wayne Bennett.

“I never sat down and had a conversation with Wayne,” Walsh said.

“Wayne had nothing to do with this and it was never his fault. I don’t feel like anyone should be giving Wayne flak.

“When I sat down and spoke to Nash and my family, the decision was never going to be about money. It was always going to be closer to my daughter.

“I can live on the Gold Coast and travel up to Red Hill every day. I am young. I know if I put my head down for a bit I can have a long career in the game.

“That’s what I want to do. I know money is going to come. It was never about the money mate.”

WALSH AND WALTERS

Much has been made of the relationship between Walsh and Brisbane coach Kevin Walters. There were recent reports that prior to Walsh’s departure from the Broncos, he and Walters had a heated clash at the team hotel over his readiness to play in the NRL.

Walsh insists the pair have a good relationship. If there was a problem, time it appears has healed the wounds. Walsh says he now understands why Walters was reluctant to play him during a period when the Broncos were struggling.

“I have seen a lot of talk about that, about me and Kevin’s relationship being bad, that is not the truth,” Walsh said.

Reece Walsh and Kevvie Walters have resolved any lingering issues between the pair. Picture: Liam Kidston

“What happened at the Broncos was that I was a young kid coming through and I wanted to play NRL. At that time Kevin had just taken on the job and he had seen a lot of young kids coming in probably a bit early and not go through the best stage.

“Kevin tried to protect me a bit. He was always honest with me and wanted to protect me, and make sure that I came into first grade at the right time.

“I respected his decision and what he wanted to do. Obviously I got a really good opportunity to come to the Warriors and learn off an elite fullback (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck) and probably one of the best fullbacks we have seen, and to play first grade.

“I took that opportunity and Kevvie respected that. There was never any bad blood or anything like that.”

THE FUTURE

Walsh is devastated that he wasn’t available for the final State of Origin game on Wednesday night. Maroons coach Billy Slater called him to check on his fitness but Covid-19 meant he was scratched from contention for the decider.

He will be at the game though, cheering on his good mate Tom Dearden as he makes his Origin debut. With his future resolved, his priority now is to finish the season well for the Warriors.

“I know how it looks and I know people are going to be a bit disappointed I am going but everyone time I put on that Warriors jersey I am not going to take it for granted,” he said.

“I am not thinking just because I am going next year, I can slacken off. The mentality I have at the moment is very time I put on that jersey I want to go out and put 100 perfect effort, and show the club and the boys that I am going to stick solid this year and repay them.”