Reece Walsh reveals his Brisbane Broncos wish list after signing richest deal in the club’s history

In an exclusive interview, Brisbane’s new $5 million man Reece Walsh expresses his desire to sign a lifetime Broncos contract, while revealing the pact that can create a premiership dynasty.

Superstar fullback Reece Walsh has spoken of his dream to bring a Penrith-style title dynasty to Brisbane after signing the richest deal in Broncos history.

‘Reece Lightning’ has pledged his future to the club in a $5 million contract coup — then outlined his burning desire to break Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought next season.

Walsh arrived at Broncos headquarters on Thursday to formally ink a four-year extension, ending months of uncertainty over his contract status and keeping him at the Broncos until the end of 2029.

“This is an exciting time for the Broncos and I wanted to be a part of it,” Walsh said.

THE RICHEST BRONCO

Already contracted for 2025, Walsh was due to become a free agent on Friday, but the 22-year-old opted against testing his value on the open market as he committed for the long term at Red Hill.

Walsh’s 2025 contract was valued at around $500,000, while his new upgrade is worth at least $4.4 million.

The final season of the extension will reach in excess of $1.2m, seeing Walsh eclipse superstar prop Payne Haas as the highest-paid player in Brisbane’s 36-year history.

Walsh could have commanded the biggest deal in rugby league’s 116-year history on the open market, but the Queensland Origin sensation shunned poaching bids in his quest to deliver Brisbane’s first title since 2006.

“It was a bit of a process, contracts take time, but I never wanted to leave,” he said.

“I’ve let my manager deal with the club and I focused as much as I could on footy.

“I’m glad that it’s all finished now, I’m staying at the Broncos, I can focus on footy and look forward to the pre-season.”

Reece Walsh walks past the wall of champions at Brisbane Broncos HQ. Picture: Liam Kidston

THE TITLE PACT

Walsh said a major factor in his decision to stay loyal was a pact with his good mates Haas, Ezra Mam and Pat Carrigan to snap the longest premiership drought in Brisbane’s history.

The Nerang Roosters product is determined to spearhead the type of title-winning dynasty built by Penrith and the Storm.

“I wanted to stay because of the group here,” he said.

“We have a pretty young group.

“Some of those boys that were there in the tough times are now coming through to be senior players.

“As long as we keep working hard and keep building really good habits, if we stick together and have the same goal of winning a premiership, we can do it.

“You look at teams like Melbourne and Penrith, they have stuck by each other as a group and gone on to do really good things.

“I know the boys are hungry and I’m looking forward to working hard and having a good pre-season.

“I think we have the group here to win a premiership. We can do it as long as we buy-in and work hard together and I’m prepared to do the work.

“We are in a prime spot to do something really special.”

THE CEO

Broncos boss Dave Donaghy lauded the retention of Walsh, who has played 36 games for the club since his return to Brisbane in 2023.

“It’s terrific news that Reece has recommitted to our club,” he said.

“He’s certainly proven himself to be an exciting player with plenty of potential.

“We’re proud of how Reece has grown from our Broncos Academy program and gone onto loftier heights in our NRL team and the State of Origin arena as well.

“Reece would have been in high demand, but he has now locked down his long-term future and can focus on delivering on his immense potential.

“Reece will play an important role for our team over the coming years and I know (Broncos fans) will be excited about the seasons ahead.”

Reece Walsh on his love for the Broncos.

THE SETBACK

Walsh accepts 12 months can be at eternity in rugby league.

He was the golden boy of Brisbane’s charge to the 2023 grand final, with the Broncos going within four minutes of shocking the Panthers, who pulled off a great escape to snatch the premiership.

A year later, the Broncos were a club in crisis, missing the finals, crashing to 12th and lamenting the termination of coach Kevin Walters.

Amid the fallout, it was a year of personal turbulence for Walsh, who suffered a facial fracture and a sickening concussion in Origin I before his year ended prematurely due to hand surgery.

Walsh says the departure of club legend Walters has represented a wake-up call for everybody at the Broncos.

Reece Walsh with former Broncos coach Kevin Walters. Picture: Liam Kidston

“It was hard to see,” Walsh said of Walters’ exit.

“Kevvie played a massive role in getting me to where I am. I have really enjoyed his time and I have a lot of respect for him.

“We didn’t have the best year last year. Last year was tough, we learned some hard lessons. Coming off the back of making a grand final in 2023, I want to take the learnings from last season and put that into hard work and making amends.

“It’s important as a group we get the Broncos back to where the club deserves to be.”

THE FIGHTBACK

There is a view Walsh has become distracted by fame and fortune. He has been labelled the NRL’s “rock star” and is arguably the most popular player in the code with more than half-a-million followers on social media.

But the arrival of new Broncos coach Michael Maguire has energised Walsh. Far from being complacent, he has returned to training two weeks ahead of schedule and looks in terrific shape ahead of Brisbane’s official 2025 pre-season kick-off under Maguire on Friday.

“I’m hungry and want to get started,” he said.

Asked about the expectation and pressure, Walsh added: “I feel like being at the Broncos, it’s such a massive club in itself. I feel like I can only control what I can control and that’s to play good footy and work hard.

“If I can focus on being a good footy player and a good role model, the rest will take care of itself.

“I’ve already had a few conversations with ‘Madge’ (Maguire) and it’s exciting.

“It’s a really good feeling. It will be a tough pre-season, but we are all looking forward to getting out there on day one of pre-season and working hard and pushing forward for a good year.

“I can really improve in every aspect of my game. Consistency is a big one for myself. I have spoken to Madge about that.

“We’ve touched on me being a more consistent first grader and I feel that starts from my attitude off the field. I need a good pre-season, you set yourself up for a good year if you do that. I’ve picked Madge’s brain about that.

“He knows what he wants and he wants to win. I’m exactly the same.”

THE FUTURE

Walsh will be only 27 when his new deal expires in 2029. By then, he could live up to predictions as the NRL’s first $2 million player, and Walsh hopes to finish his career as a Broncos legend.

Asked if he wants to be a Bronco for the remainder of his career, Walsh said: “100 per cent, I’d love to stay here even if the Broncos want to give me a job for life beyond footy.

“I love the club. Ever since I was seven years old I wanted to be a Bronco.

“The day I spoke to my manager about coming back (from the Warriors in 2023), it was pretty crazy, so to be here securing my future, I’m really happy.

“This is an amazing club. I love my time here and wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”