‘All the hard yards that people don’t see’: Reece Walsh expected to make early return for the battle of Brisbane

Ezra Mam limped off training but there was better news for the Broncos with their biggest star set to make an early return from injury.

Kotoni Staggs has praised Reece Walsh’s tenacity, with the livewire fullback expected to make an early return from a facial fracture. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

The Broncos are set to receive a massive boost this week with flashy fullback Reece Walsh on track to take on the Dolphins after he got through a full-contact session in Brisbane on Monday.

Walsh was expected to miss 4-6 weeks after he suffered a facial fracture against Penrith in round three, but he could be back for the blockbuster derby much earlier than expected after completing training in pink headgear.

It’s a timely boost for the Broncos who have won two of their opening five matches and now face the ladder-leading Dolphins who are flying under Wayne Bennett but could be without former Brisbane pair Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler after they picked up AC joint injuries in the win over the Wests Tigers.

The Broncos didn’t have any problems scoring points against Melbourne last week, but Walsh’s return will add another layer of excitement to a backline that can score points from anywhere.

Reece Walsh is expected to return from a facial fracture, while Ezra Mam sent a scare through training after he limped off with a cork. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“He’s done everything right to be back with the team,” centre Kotoni Staggs said.

“All of his rehab went well, and it’s good to have him back out on the park doing what he does best. It’s a big boost for us, and hopefully come Friday night, he can do a job.

“One thing he’s picked up is the way that he goes about his injuries. He got on top of everything and he’s back earlier than expected. That’s just from him doing all the hard yards that people don’t see behind our walls.”

While Walsh is expected to return, the Broncos will be without halfback Adam Reynolds after he injured his hamstring against the Storm and didn’t return for the second half.

Jock Madden is tipped to replace him in the No.7 jersey, while Staggs is confident five-eighth Ezra Mam will play after he limped off training with a cork.

“Jock’s been there before and he’s done the job for us,” Staggs said, with veteran Corey Oates set to be named on the wing in place of Deine Mariner who suffered a small fracture in his back which will keep him out for up to a month.

“It’s next man up. Jock’s been thrown in the deep end for a couple of games in the past, and he knows all the plays. It’s not going to be any difference there.”