NRL 2024: Reece Walsh sustains broken hand in blow for Brisbane Broncos’ finals hopes

Brisbane’s hopes of a miracle finals berth have been dealt a blow with superstar fullback Reece Walsh’s season on the line after sustaining a broken hand.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 10: Reece Walsh of the Broncos receives treatment after being injured during the round 23 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Brisbane Broncos at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on August 10, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Brisbane’s late push to qualify for the NRL finals has copped a blow after star fullback Reece Walsh sustained a broken hand.

Walsh underwent scans after injuring his right hand in last Saturday’s 42-18 win against the Cowboys in Townsville.

The Maroons fullback produced one of his best games of the season for the Broncos despite being clearly inconvenienced by the hand problem.

He went into the game with his hand heavily strapped and copped another blow to his fingers in a jarring tackle from Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes.

Walsh pushed through the pain and punched out 75 minutes as the Broncos fought back from a 18-6 deficit to record a confidence-boosting win.

Upon returning to Brisbane, scans revealed a fracture and Walsh will consult a specialist in the coming days to learn if his season is over.

Reece Walsh has suffered a broken hand. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“Reece has sustained a metacarpal fracture and we will consult a specialist to determine the next steps,” Broncos head of performance David Ballard said.

Walsh was dynamic and brave at the back, running for 175m and registering two try-assists to help the Broncos keep their season alive.

The Broncos enjoy a much-needed bye this weekend before finishing the regular season with games against the Eels, Dolphins and Storm.

They must win those three games to remain in contention to finish in the top eight and play finals football this year.

A close up of Reece Walsh’s hand which was heavily strapped going into the game. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

If Walsh requires surgery he will likely be out for the remainder of the season.

If he avoids surgery, Walsh can rest this weekend and attempt to prove his fitness for the Eels game.

The Broncos have already lost five-eighth Ezra Mam (ankle) for the remainder of the season, but prop Payne Haas (foot) is a chance of returning to the field.

“Ezra underwent surgery last week and will move into his rehab program over the coming weeks, with a view to returning ready to go for pre-season training later this year,” Ballard said.

“Payne and Tyson (Smoothy, ankle) both didn’t require surgery.

“Payne will undergo some further testing in the coming days before we can assess when he will return, while Tyson has begun his rehab work in the gym.”