Huge Broncos boost as NRL confirms Reece Walsh cleared for early return from suspension

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh will return from suspension a round early after the club successfully applied for his ban to be reduced.

NRL 2023 RD17 Brisbane Broncos v Gold Coast Titans - Reece Walsh, Chris Butler Referee. Photo - NRL Images

The NRL has confirmed Broncos fullback Reece Walsh will return from suspension a round early after the club successfully applied for Origin Game III to count towards his ban.

The 21-year-old Brisbane star was handed a three-game suspension after being found guilty of abusing a referee after a lengthy hearing last month.

The Broncos argued that Walsh would have been selected for the State of Origin dead rubber if he was available, and the appeal was upheld by NRL judiciary chair Justice Geoffrey Bellew.

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It was determined Walsh has used abusive language and directed a verbal spray at referee Chris Butler during the Broncos’ Round 18 loss to the Titans.

Reece Walsh is back for the Broncos. Photo: NRL Images

Now Walsh will return against the Rabbitohs in Round 21 after missing the final game of the 2023 Origin series.

Walsh has been one of the NRL’s standout players this season and has been a revelation since rejoining the Red Hill club in pre-season.

The young gun has scored four times in his 14 appearances, whilst also assisting a further 18 four pointers.

The Broncos kept their season on track with a comfortable 44-24 win over the Bulldogs on Saturday.

In another boost for the Broncos, Selwyn Cobbo has escaped sanction for a raised forearm on Toby Sexton that saw him sinbinned.

Originally published as Huge Broncos boost as NRL confirms Reece Walsh cleared for early return from suspension