Ian Healy’s claims surrounding Reece Walsh’s absence shut down

Australian cricket legend Ian Healy’s claims surrounding the absence of Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh have been rubbished.

Australian cricket legend Ian Healy’s claims surrounding Reece Walsh and his omission from the Broncos’ game against the Dolphins have been shot down.

Walsh, who remains sidelined for the underperforming Broncos through injury, wasn’t in attendance as Brisbane’s finals hopes were crushed on Saturday night as the Dolphins secured the 40-6 win.

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It was Walsh’s absence that raised Healy’s eyebrows with the former Australian wicketkeeper taking to the airwaves on Wednesday with a stunning claim.

“I heard some bad news yesterday,” Healy said on SENQ 693.

“Reece Walsh didn’t go to the game and it was quite unknown to the coaches where he was. So I’m not sure he was given permission not to attend.

“That would be a breach if that was me (in charge). He’s normally a fully engaged character who does go to the games, but not last weekend.”

Walsh’s absence however didn’t catch the Broncos off guard with reports the club had agreed to allow him to stay home on the night to be with his family while he continued his recovery.

It is standard practice in the NRL and professional sports for injured players to continue to attend games to support their teammates.

News.com.au spoke with the Broncos regarding the matter, with the club indicating that Healy’s claims are not true. The club however will not be releasing any official statement.

The original comments from Healy were removed from social media, with the former keeper clarifying his remarks on Thursday morning.

“I can correct something about Reece Walsh,” Healy said.

“He was approved not to go to the game last weekend. But the communication might not have got all the way through the troops.

“I found out a few weren’t happy that he wasn’t there, but the Broncos contacted me and said it had been approved.”

Walsh’ absence didn’t catch the club off guard. Photo: Scott Davis/NRL Imagery.

Healy’s comments were rubbished. (AAP Image/Albert Perez)

Walsh has endured a torrid 2024 season with the Broncos superstar battling injuries continuously throughout the season.

In the early stages of the season he suffered a facial fracture, he then copped a brutal concussion in the opening game of the State of Origin series.

He has also missed games with a knee complaint, before his season came to and end after he fractured his hand against the North Queensland Cowboys in round 23.

While there had been hopes Walsh could return to the line-up against the Melbourne Storm in round 27, with the club no chance of making the finals they elected not to risk any further damage and have put Walsh on ice.

Walsh won’t be risked for the final game of the season. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Along with Walsh missing the final game of the season, fellow Broncos star Payne Haas will be on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his foot.

Haas missed four games after suffering a Lisfranc injury and while he returned to the line-up, the issue required surgery which will see him miss the Pacific Championship Test matches.

“Payne will have surgery on his foot and Reece is just not ready to play, so there is no point in risking him,” Walters told reporters.

“(Haas) will be probably be eliminated from the internationals at the end of the year and that is not good for Payne but I really commend him for his efforts to get back on the field. He showed what a true Bronco is, putting his body on the line for the club. That just shows the kind of player Payne is and the type of person he is.”

The Broncos will take on the Melbourne Storm on Thursday night with the game getting underway at 7:50pm.