Sport Confidential: Broncos star Reece Walsh reveals truth about on-field vomiting
Cameras have captured Reece Walsh throwing up several times this year before and during games - and the Broncos star has a gross theory about the frequent chunders.
Reece Walsh has spoken about his public vomiting habit as footage emerged of a blossoming television career for the Broncos sensation.
Walsh has been captured throwing up several times this year before and during games.
Dressing room cameras have caught him with his head in a bin before kick-off and he was visibly sick numerous times during last week’s big win against Parramatta.
Walsh said he was unsure why he has been vomiting, but admitted it could be due to nerves.
“I don’t know. I have a history of bad coughing in my family,” he said.
“When I start coughing and I get some phlegm, it’s hard to keep it in. I’m not too sure to be honest what to do.
“I thought it was that sticky spray (that made me sick) the first time, and then I have been getting nervous before games and been spewing for the third week in a row.
“And then out on the field, I feel like my throat is starting to cough and then I cough and I get phlegmy and I start gagging and then it goes. I have to find something to fix that.”
Walsh didn’t show any nerves when he was the lead figure on ‘KPTV’ while attending Keebra Park High School in 2019.
Footage on YouTube shows Walsh doing piece-to-camera segments and interviewing his teammates - including Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula - and coaches at training and after games.
With a head for television, Walsh may have a long-term media career ahead of him after he hangs up the boots.
That is still a while away yet and he has bigger fish to fry for now, including helping the Broncos clinch this year’s NRL premiership as he pushes for a Kangaroos debut.
Australia coach Mal Meninga says Walsh is in the frame to make his green-and-gold debut after his blistering form for the Broncos.
The Kangaroos will feature in an end-of-season Pacific Cup tournament with New Zealand and Samoa and Meninga confirmed Walsh is on his radar for the Test matches in October and November.
While Australia skipper James Tedesco only has to stay fit to retain the No.1 jumper, Meninga hasn’t ruled out Walsh being added to the Kangaroos’ extended squad as a development player.
The 21-year-old has been one of the stars of the 2023 NRL season and a Broncos grand-final campaign would put Walsh firmly in the national selection frame after his Queensland Origin debut this year.
“I admire the (level) his (Walsh’s) game has gone to,” Meninga said.
“There are a whole heap of fantastic fullbacks in our competition. Most teams have got a great fullback who influences games.
“‘Teddy’ is the incumbent. He is the captain of the Kangaroos. He led the team to a successful World Cup last year. I think he has been going well all year. His effort levels are great. We have got a couple of other selectors but in my mind he is the number one fullback at the moment and out of loyalty he should be selected.
“But I think versatility is really key for picking squads for the Kangaroos in the international space. I know Reece can play fullback and I know he can play in the halves as well. It will be interesting to see whether he can put his head in the scrum and play 13, because that is what you need.
“That will be spoken about at the selectors meeting, but Reece is certainly putting pressure on being in the team itself.”
TINO’S TITANIC CLAUSE
Cowboys co-captain Jason Taumalolo has backed the Titans’ controversial move to sign Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to a monster 10-year, $12 million deal - despite revelations the Gold Coast captain could be a free agent again in a few years.
Taumalolo made history when he became the first player in the NRL to sign a 10-year contract with the Cowboys in 2017.
Taumalolo has battled injury in recent years and some critics have questioned if the Cowboys wrecking ball has become complacent knowing his future is secured until the end of 2027.
But Taumalolo insists his hunger has never wavered and he is adamant Titans skipper Fa’asuamaleaui will not drop his standards of excellence.
“Tino deserves a deal like that,” Taumalolo said.
“The way he has played, he has toiled really hard and he is one of the best forwards in the game at the moment.
“There’s very few players that you would offer that deal to and Tino is one of them.
“My advice to Tino is he doesn’t have to change anything, he is well respected and there are going to be good things happening at the Titans for the next 10 years given that Tino is around now.”
Fa’asuamaleaui has signed with the Titans until the end of 2033, however the contract has options in it that allow the Maroons Origin star to explore his future after three years.
Fa’asuamaleaui can become a free agent from 2027 if he wishes, giving incoming coach Des Hasler time to prove he can transform the Titans into a premiership force.
Asked about his own 10-year deal, Taumalolo said: “It’s never affected my mindset. I always take the field playing the game as if it’s my last.
“I’ve gone through some injuries so that keeps me grounded.
“I watch the way Tino plays and he’s exactly the same as me with his attitude. I don’t think he will ever get complacent, it’s not something he has to worry about.
“He just has to continue playing the way he does and I’m sure he will be repaying the faith back to the Titans over the next 10 years.”
TRUTH ABOUT TPJ AND BULLDOGS
The trainer who will be a guiding force in Tevita Pangai Junior’s shock career switch to boxing is adamant the NSW Origin star is not at loggerheads with Bulldogs duo Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo.
Pangai Jnr dropped a bombshell at Belmore on Tuesday when it was revealed the former Broncos firebrand will quit the NRL at season’s end to focus on a career as a professional boxer.
Speculation is rife Pangai Jnr was on the outer with Bulldogs football boss Gould and coach Ciraldo after a disappointing season at Canterbury that has prompted the 27-year-old to weigh up his future in the NRL.
But former Australian super lightweight champion Chris McCullen, who has trained Pangai Jnr for the past three years, has given an insight into the Blues enforcer’s decision to quit the Bulldogs.
McCullen insists Pangai Jnr had total respect for Gould and Ciraldo and has simply fallen in love with a new sport that could see ‘TPJ’ set his sights on becoming an Australian heavyweight champion.
“I was pretty shocked by the decision, I didn’t expect this from Tevita,” Brisbane-based McCullen said.
“He had no issue with Bulldogs management or Cameron Ciraldo, he actually liked the coach, so there was no problem in that regard.
“Speaking to him, it was like a weight had lifted off his shoulders.
“He wants to finish off well with the Bulldogs and then he will get straight into boxing training and we’ll lock in some fights ASAP.
“I was shocked when he told me he had quit the Bulldogs and wanted to fight full-time.
“I told Tevita he is crazy, but at the end of the day, it’s those guys who want to take serious chances that sometimes make it work.
“It’s really brave of him to do this. He could have stayed at the Bulldogs and got big pay days. People will bag him, but he walked away from a lot of money to try and chase his goals to be happy in boxing.”
McCullen became a trusted figure for Pangai Jnr when he hit rock bottom at the Broncos in 2020.
The Tongan Test star was almost sacked for a series of Covid breaches and he turned to McCullen, who runs a Logan boxing gym, and former Broncos skipper Corey Parker to keep him in shape during his time on the sidelines.
He believes the controversial Bulldogs forward has missed family and his boxing network in Brisbane.
“I saw Tevita being a bit homesick,” McCullen said.
“At the end of the day, I said whatever you do in life, you have to be happy doing it, and if you aren’t happy, then you are going to struggle in all departments.
“I’ve had some conversations with Tevita throughout the year and I was trying to help him with his mental state.
“As the season went on and maybe after Origin, I felt like he was missing Brisbane.
“He has a lot of comforts up here and his partner’s family is up here and he grew to love our boxing gym.”
McCullen has trained Pangai Jnr to two consecutive wins as a boxer and while he isn’t sure if the inconsistent forward will return to the NRL, he is adamant Tevita can become a smash hit in boxing.
“The longer-term plan was always for Tevita to pursue a career in boxing, this has just happened earlier than I expected,” McCullen said.
“I honestly don’t know if he will go back to NRL. He might have six months off, revitalise himself and he may want to play again, but I can’t answer that right now.
“The immediate future is to finish this season and try and get a couple of fights in and we will see where he goes.
“Tevita has a love and passion for the sport that is really genuine. He is determined to really learn the craft. He isn’t taking the piss out of the sport because of his profile, he wants to take it seriously and go in against actual fighters and take on fighters who will test him.
“There is no doubt in my mind he can win an Australian heavyweight title.
“It’s up to Tevita, but he has this dedication that is different to anything I have seen.”
SPECIAL K ON VERGE OF HISTORY
The Broncos could stand in the way of former cross-code superstar Karmichael Hunt producing a piece of Queensland rugby league history.
Hunt’s Souths-Logan Magpies are on the cusp of claiming the Hostplus Cup minor premiership heading into this weekend’s final round clash with the CQ Capras.
If the Magpies win, they will become the first team in Queensland Cup history to go from wooden spoon to minor premiers in the space of a year.
It would be a remarkable achievement for Hunt in his first year as head coach of the Magpies.
But he may not get his best team on the field at Browne Park in Rockhampton.
The Broncos are planning to hold a solid opposed session on Friday as coach Kevin Walters ramps up Brisbane’s NRL premiership assault heading into the finals.
That could see Walters keep some of his fringe players at Red Hill for the session, instead of them turning out for the Magpies.
The Magpies have been boosted by Broncos players like Tristan Sailor, Jordan Pereira, Logan Bayliss, Cory Paix, Ben Te Kura and Blake Mozer for much of the season.
Some of them may be missing and if the Magpies lose, and Burleigh beats Townsville on Saturday, the Bears will be crowned minor premiers.
Regardless, it’s been a sensational season for Souths-Logan and they are right in the premiership hunt.
The Magpies have been boosted by the mid-season recruitment of seasoned first grader Albert Kelly, who fell out with Redcliffe and moved to the Souths.
“Albey came back from Redcliffe about a month ago,” Hunt said.
“It didn’t work out there with him and we’re always happy to welcome someone back that has worn the jersey and has got quality footy nous like Albey.
“He’s making his way back into fitness. We have to get him eligible for finals so he’s playing off the bench for us at the minute.”
While the Magpies have been flying in 2023, the same can’t be said about the Ipswich Jets.
The Jets have finished the season without winning a game from 20 matches and have a bye in the final round.
DEVILS SKIPPER IS ON FIRE
One of the best players never to reach the NRL will quietly call time on his career this weekend.
Norths Devils captain Jack Ahearn has announced that Saturday’s clash with the PNG Hunters at Bishop Park will be his last in the Hostplus Cup before he begins a new career as a firefighter.
Ahearn, 30, says he can’t juggle the time commitment needed for footy alongside his work and young family.
Ahearn has led the Devils to the last two Hostplus Cup premierships and has been the club’s player of the year for the last four years.
In 2021, he was the competition’s best halfback and finished in the top three in voting for the fullback of the year.
But he’s never played a game of NRL despite standing out in the 2021 grand final against a Wynnum Manly team that included Selwyn Cobbo among its six Broncos that day.
Ahearn’s teammate Jacob Gagan, who has played NRL for three clubs, said: “There is just no doubt that Jack is good enough to make a real impression in the NRL and it’s hard to believe he hasn’t played at that level.
“But it’s impossible to work out why the NRL favours some players and not others.”
BRONCOS’ CAPED CRUSADER
Payne Haas’ decision to commit to the Broncos has inspired vice-captain Kurt Capewell to extend his NRL career.
Capewell is off-contract at the end of next season and the Queensland Origin utility is keen to sign a new deal with the Broncos as Brisbane build towards a potential premiership dynasty.
The Broncos are facing a salary-cap squeeze, with Haas’ three-year, $3.5 million extension raising concerns over Brisbane’s ability to retain veterans such as Capewell and winger Corey Oates.
Oates is facing a pay cut to stay at Brisbane, while Capewell is adamant he has more to offer the Broncos, outlining his plan to remain at Red Hill until the end of 2026.
“I’ll take as many (years) as I can get,” Capewell said.
“I love the game. I love this club. I love the coaches. I love the fans. I love the state and I don’t see myself moving away from the Broncos.
“I am just worrying about winning the comp this year.
“Hopefully I can win another one next year and then we’ll extend for another two ... and win another two (premierships).”
PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM
Sam Walker is adamant he can be the Roosters’ long-term playmaking champion and reignite the Bondi glamour club as a premiership force.
Walker returned from a knee injury for North Sydney in the NSW Cup last Sunday and could make his NRL comeback in the Roosters’ penultimate regular-season clash against the Tigers on Saturday week.
Walker was dropped earlier this season, triggering concerns over his ability to run the Roosters’ offence, but the 21-year Queensland Origin hopeful has no doubt he can be Sydney’s main man.
“100 per cent I can,” he said.
“I’ve had a bit of time to reflect and look at my game and I am really clear on the way I want to play and the club is as well.
“I will back myself and when I do get the opportunity again, I know I will be able to take it with both hands.”
The former Australian Schoolboys star says he has no interest in leaving the Roosters amid speculation he was shopped to the Dolphins earlier this season.
“I definitely want to stay here,” he said. “It’s been a tough year with injury but I’m very happy with the club.”
NO BONDI RESCUE FOR HAAS
Payne Haas’ management has finally addressed 18 months of speculation surrounding the Sydney Roosters’ interest in the Broncos superstar.
Haas’ agent Ahmad Merhi brokered a new three-year deal for the Broncos prop on Tuesday, ensuring the NSW Origin enforcer will remain at Red Hill until the end of 2026.
When Haas first sought a release last year, only for the Broncos to reject the request, there was a view Sydney glamour club the Roosters were waiting in the wings to snap up the NRL’s No.1 prop.
The Roosters must begin succession planning for life after veteran enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Haas was only interested in playing for a team in regular title contention, but Merhi says there was never a proposal for the prop to go from Brisbane to Bondi.
“We were only going to look at those teams in the top-four zone and those on a trajectory to win a premiership,” Merhi said.
“Despite all the rumours, the Roosters never formally expressed interest.
“That’s the truth. I never had any talks with them.”
Haas’ previous management had initially floated a 10-year, $10 million extension last year, but Merhi says Brisbane’s top prop had no interest in a decade-long deal.
“I feel accountability should be on both sides,” he said.
“Payne wants to be accountable for his performances and the Broncos have to be accountable through their administration for the next three years.
“A shorter-term deal keeps everyone accountable and working hard.
“It ensures the best outcomes and that there is no room for complacency or comfort.”
BIG BAD JOE HITS JACKPOT
Australian heavyweight Joe Goodall has secured a life-changing $1 million bonanza following one of world boxing’s biggest boilovers.
Goodall (10-1-1, 9KO) has signed a five-fight deal with leading American promoter Lou DiBella in the wake of his stunning TKO upset of Stephen Shaw last month in the US.
The 31-year-old’s career was at the crossroads after his dismal loss to Brisbane’s rising star Justis Huni last year, but Goodall’s savage Shaw stoppage has Big Bad Joe dreaming of a world-title shot.
“This is a massive deal for Joe,” said Goodall’s manager Steve Scanlan.
“In a lot of boxing contracts, if you lose, the deal becomes null and void, but this is a guaranteed five-fight deal.
“He will become one of the highest-paid boxers in Australia.
“The heavyweight scene is really in America and England, that’s where you have to be.
“Joe could be a big name here, but the money overseas is ten fold compared to what it is here.
“He is right on the cusp of doing something special.
“That win over Shaw has catapulted Joe to the edge of the top 10 and another big win could put him within a few fights of a world-title shot.”
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