Reece Walsh to leave Warriors in bombshell Broncos move: Report

The Brisbane Broncos are reportedly set to pull off a major NRL coup after one of the rising stars of the competition is set for a major move.

Reece Walsh is set to turn his back on the Warriors. Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

New Zealand Warriors star Reece Walsh is reportedly set to sign with the Brisbane Broncos after it was revealed that Canberra fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad signed with the Warriors.

The Daily Telegraphreported Walsh would quit the Warriors at the end of the season and link with the team he previously left to kick off his NRL career.

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The 19-year-old Walsh has hit the ground running, proving to be one of the most exciting young stars in the competition.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters revealed he “didn’t want him to go” as he didn’t believe he was quite ready for first grade.

“We knew he was talented but I wanted him to play a few more games in Intrust Cup (reserve grade),” he said in 2021.

In just his second season in the NRL, Walsh is already in Origin calculations and has been in the squads in both seasons, although he has yet to debut with the likes of Kalyn Ponga in front of him.

He was even selected at fullback for State of Origin II in 2021 but withdrew after suffering a hamstring injury in training.

Walsh reportedly has another season left in his Warriors contract and an option in his favour for 2024.

But arguably the most interesting part of the story is that the Broncos are firming as the location for Walsh, rather than the Dolphins.

Walsh has long been linked to an early exit from New Zealand and potential move to be a marquee player for the Dolphins.

On NRL 360, Paul Kent said the Dolphins were not out of the reckoning as yet.

“It’s not over yet, he has not signed, he has not agreed to any terms as yet,” Kent said.

Paul Crawley said it was “a massive win for the Broncos against the Dolphins”.

“He is a player the Dolphins wanted and wanted badly,” he added. “If he goes to the Broncos, it’s a huge win for them as a club because that’s a pivotal position they need to strengthen.”

Reece Walsh is reportedly heading back to Brisbane. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Kent also floated a “conspiracy theory”, hinting that it was “astute to leak just before he signs and commits to the Broncos since the Dolphins are so heavy after him and they can’t afford to lose him”.

Fox League’s James Hooper replied: “Wayne has got to sharpen the pencil, they have got to come back in and whenever it takes to try and get this kid over the line.

“Because in terms of key positions players, that is one area where they are lacking.”

Braith Anasta said he expected an 11th hour bidding war as the Dolphins fight for the signature.

“The rumours were around that Reece wouldn’t go to New Zealand, he wouldn’t travel and he was going to leave,” NRL 360 host Braith Anasta said.

“The was murmurs around that he wasn’t going to go to Brisbane, he was going to the Dolphins.

“The Dolphins were desperate for him, you have just spoken to officials at Brisbane, it is not official that he has signed yet, I am sure at the eleventh hour the Dolphins will come in hard for Reece again.

“This may not be over.”

But Crawley asked: “He’s a very good player, but is he a $1 million player? How much do you pay for a guy like him? Because whatever it takes can really screw up your salary cap.”

Hooper said the Dolphins could play $100,000-$150,000 more than the Broncos.

Anasta added this may be the Dolphins’ biggest signing miss as well, despite missing Harry Grant, Brandon Smith, Kalyn Ponga, Reed Mahoney, Ryan Matterson and seemingly Cameron Munster.

“If the Dolphins miss Reece, this is their biggest miss, this is the one they wanted the most, I believe it is the one they wanted the most,” Anasta said.

What will it mean for Selwyn Cobbo? Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The move also raises questions over Selwyn Cobbo, the young Origin winger who is expected to become a fullback in the future.

Kent said there was potential Walsh could move into the No. 6 jersey.

“All the good fulbacks started as wingers at some points, Anthony Minichello, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck,” Kent said.

“They haven’t bought these two quality players to play the same position, there will be a plan there, certainly the Broncos will have a plan.

“This all fresh, so we are still digesting it, but the Broncos are not spending top dollar to get two blokes and let them fight it out.”

Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad is set to replace Walsh. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The news comes after Raiders star and New Zealand international fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was revealed to be heading to the Warriors, reportedly in order to be closer to his family.

Nicoll-Klokstad has played 12 matches this season but the rise of young fullback Xavier Savage appears to be nailing down the position in Canberra.