Ugly Reece Walsh truth called out amid Michael Maguire’s brutal Broncos boot camp

Reece Walsh endured a difficult 2024 season and an NRL legend believes he will struggle even more in 2025 if he doesn’t make a necessary move.

Cowboys legend Matt Bowen has dropped a brutal truth bomb on Broncos star Reece Walsh, declaring he isn’t an elite fullback in the NRL.

At the Nines Premier League tournament on the Gold Coast on Friday, the 42-year-old said Dylan Edwards is the best fullback in the NRL, and that Walsh has a lot of work to do to get to his level.

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Bowen noted Walsh’s flashes of brilliance make him a nightmare for defenders but believes he isn’t fit enough to be talked about as one of the elite No. 1’s in the game, stating he is below the likes of Edwards, Kalyn Ponga, James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic.

Michael Maguire (right) has been putting Reece Walsh (left) and his Broncos teammates through their paces in pre-season. Image: Getty

“I just think being fitter,” Bowen said to Fox Sports Australia as an area where Walsh must improve.

“We know he has that spark but if he can pop up everywhere like Dylan Edwards does on a weekly basis and be that ultimate competitor in games and the training paddock.

“If Reece can improve that part of his game, he’ll be a quality fullback for years to come.”

Bowen’s comments come amid rumours the fullback was at the ‘back of the pack’ in pre-season fitness drills.

Channel 10’s Ted Roker reported Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and Martin Taupau were bringing up the rear in a fitness test at Broncos training last month, which is a poor look for the Brisbane No.1 after he recently penned a mega $1.1 million a-season contract.

Reece Walsh has been told he must improve his fitness if he is to become an elite NRL fullback. Photo Steve Pohlner

Matt Bowen is one of the Cowboys’ greatest ever fullbacks. Picture: Mark Evans

Last year, Walsh’s fitness was his Achilles heel.

He managed just 14 NRL games as the Broncos missed the eight in 2024.

And while he was as exciting as anyone when on the park, he was consistently out of position and struggling with his fitness at the back end of games.

With Maguire coming into Red Hill, his blue-collar approach was hoped to help whip Walsh and his fellow Brisbane stars into shape.

But AAP reporter Joel Gould - an AAP reporter who often attends Broncos training sessions - previously shut down suggestions that Walsh’s fitness levels are a concern.

“I have watched Reece Walsh train at the Broncos – week-in and week-out – and I don’t see any difference,” Gould said on SEN radio earlier this month.

“He may have come back not as quick and not as good as some of the other players. I don’t see anything other than Walsh putting everything into it.

“He doesn’t look off the pace. If he was, he has fixed it.”

Originally published as Ugly Reece Walsh truth called out amid Michael Maguire’s brutal Broncos boot camp