Reece Walsh can become the highest-paid player in Brisbane’s history after the club prepared a five-year, $6 million deal to keep him at Red Hill.
Walsh is arguably the game’s biggest and most marketable star, as evidenced by the focus on him in the lead-up to the NRL’s historic double-header in Las Vegas. While contracted until the end of next year, the Broncos don’t want him to hit the open market and have been deep in discussions with his management.
The Broncos want to upgrade and extend the fullback on a monster deal that will ensure he stays at Red Hill until at least the end of 2029. Walsh’s average wage will come to $1.2 million per season, the largest ever afforded a Brisbane player. While the final details are still being negotiated, both parties are confident that a deal will soon be struck.
The development is a huge boost for the Broncos, who will make history when they take on the Roosters at Allegiant Stadium on Saturday [US time]. Walsh’s retention would ensure the nucleus of the grand finalists remains intact after fellow superstars Payne Haas and Ezra Mam recommitted to the club.
Speaking earlier this week, Walsh said his preference to stay put.
“I’m still worried, I think Kev [coach Kevin Walters] lost my number. I’m still waiting for a phone call,” Walsh quipped.
“I’m sure that is all going to get sorted out. I just need to play good footy and let me footy do the talking.
“I’m sure there’s a time when we’re going to sit down and have a conversation and I look forward to sitting down and having that conversation.”
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh gets in some kicking practice at Allegiant Stadium.Credit: Getty
Pressed on the prospect of remaining at the Broncos, the 21-year-old said: “For sure. Obviously I’ve got my family down the road and I’ve got some really good mates, I feel like these boys are my family now too.
“I love it at the club, I love the staff, the fans and what the club is about. We are building something really special here … I’d like to secure some long-term stuff. My management can sort it out when they want to.”
The presence of Walsh, Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco ensures Las Vegas will have plenty of fullback star power on Saturday.
“It’s fantastic, it’s probably the pinnacle of the game in terms of the fullbacks and the excitement they bring to the game,” said Souths coach Jason Demetriou.
“Dylan Edwards at Penrith as well is an outstanding player. The game is full of great fullbacks and Latrell is up there with most of them.”
Asked how the Rabbitohs stop Trbojevic, Demetriou said: “You tackle him.
“You just have to make sure you talk, he can pop up anywhere. He’s super-fit, that’s what makes him a danger. His ability to get on both sides of the ball and both sides of the field is quite extraordinary for a big man.
“Our communication and ID on where he is going to be will be important.”
Adrian Proszenko’s trip to Las Vegas was funded by the NRL.
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