NRL 2024: Broncos star Reece Walsh avoids surgery on facial fracture, targets early return

Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has received a verdict on whether he needs surgery on a facial fracture, pencils in an early return for a Suncorp Stadium blockbuster.

Reece Walsh suffered a facial fracture against the Panthers.

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has received a major boost in his comeback from injury after avoiding surgery on his fractured face.

Walsh will miss Friday night’s Queensland derby against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium after sustaining a facial fracture in last week’s loss to Penrith.

The Queensland Origin star was forced to catch a bus back to Brisbane from Sydney following a head clash with Panthers centre Taylan May in the opening minutes of the round 3 encounter at BlueBet Stadium.

Scans revealed Walsh had suffered a facial fracture which would sideline him for up to six weeks, pending a consult with a specialist upon his return to Brisbane.

After meeting with doctors Walsh was told he doesn’t require surgery, which is expected to expedite his recovery.

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh suffered a facial fracture against the Panthers last week.

The Maroons No. 1 hopeful is now racing to prove his fitness for the Broncos’ round 6 blockbuster Battle of Brisbane against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

If Walsh is cleared to face the Dolphins it will be three weeks since the injury occurred, at least a week ahead of his initially estimated stint on the sidelines. If the fracture hasn’t healed adequately, Walsh will aim to make his return against the Raiders in round 7.

Walsh has been spotted at Red Hill throughout the week with stitches in his face as he plays a waiting game for the fracture to heal.

The 21-year-old sensation is itching to get back into the action, especially with forwards Payne Haas (knee) and Brendan Piakura (ankle) sidelined for the next month.

Queensland coach Billy Slater said he had been impressed with Walsh’s early-season form and the facial fracture shouldn’t impact his fitness or touch when he returns.

Walsh has been all smiles at training this week, picture with coach Kevin Walters. Picture: Liam Kidston

“I’ve broken my eye socket before and it’s tough,” he said on the Billy Slater Podcast.

“He’s got about a month on the sideline and that stuff heals. He’s able to train, run and do weights. It’s not as if he’s going to lose any condition.

“He’s a real student of the game, Reece, and I see him through this period studying the game and where he’s at at the moment.

“He’s in a really good spot. I’ve been watching him closely and he’s moving really well with the football and what he’s doing away from the football is just as impressive.

“He’s developing his game and is working really hard.”

Walsh is the leading contender for Queensland’s fullback duties for the upcoming State of Origin series following his performances in the first two games last year before he was suspended.

Newcastle’s Dally M Medal star Kalyn Ponga is also back in the Origin mix, ensuring competition is high for the coveted Maroons No. 1 jersey for the series-opener in Sydney on June 5.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Broncos star Reece Walsh avoids surgery on facial fracture, targets early return