Reece Walsh in crosshairs of new Brisbane Broncos ban

A sight that was commonplace at Broncos training under former coach Kevin Walters has now been outlawed under the club’s new mentor.

Michael Maguire and Reece Walsh. Photos: News Corp

When Michael Maguire was named to lead the Brisbane Broncos, superstar Reece Walsh raved about his plans to turn the younger players into men.

Maguire has wasted no time instituting a rule designed to facilitate that process and it directly involves Walsh himself.

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Under previous mentor Kevin Walters’ tutelage, Walsh and a number of his teammates were regularly seen strutting around training shirtless.

But those days are gone.

According to Code Sports, Maguire is requiring his players to remain fully clothed at all times in a move some have labelled the “six-pack ban”.

A coach known for driving rigid standards and keeping his players accountable at all times, “Madge” believes appearances are a key component to being a professional footballer.

This sort of scene will no longer be part of Broncos training. Picture: Liam Kidston

Michael Maguire (left) is bringing a new mantra to the club. Photos: News Corp

That means going shirtless, or even donning casual, non-Broncos gear, is now outlawed as the club attempts to recapture its mojo.

Following a heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 grand final against the Panthers, Brisbane slumped to 12th last season with just 10 wins from 24 games.

“It’s about creating the environment that we’re in,” Maguire said. “I want a high standard and it’s important they help drive and create it themselves.

“That’s part of success. How you’re turning up is very important.

“That’s the professional part of being a rugby league player at this level.

“If the guys do that well, you’re going to get a pretty good output with the people that we have.”

Not anymore Reece. Picture: Liam Kidston

OK that’s going too far. Picture: Liam Kidston

This is the new normal at Red Hill. Photo: Adam Head

Following drawn out discussions with the club, Walsh signed a four-year contract extension in October understood to be in the realm of $5 million.

It only added to the flashy, rock star persona the popular 22-year-old enjoys.

Yet just a few months after Maguire was plotting the Queensland fullback’s downfall as NSW Blues coach, Walsh is relishing the tough approach being instilled at Red Hill.

“Turning some of us young boys into men. I think that’s a big one,” he said in November when asked about his new coach.

“Me and ‘Madge’ had a few chats before we got (the deal) done. I was just happy that he wanted to keep me on for five more years.

“It’s about me growing as a person and player because I want to be that player that everyone wants to play with.

“Madge is really driving that. I’ve got so much growth in me and he sees that.”

The Broncos have A-list celebrity status in Queensland, where they remain one of the state’s most popular teams.

Professional sportsmen, who typically have big egos and significant bank balances to go with their on-field abilities, often rally against a hard line approach when it comes to coaching.

Maguire is keeping an open mind, however, and said he hasn’t seen signs of that “rock star” image in his short time with the club.

“I’m not going to judge anyone,” he said. “I haven’t seen that side of things with the players.”

Read more about the new approach at the Brisbane Broncos in Code Sports

Originally published as Reece Walsh in crosshairs of new Brisbane Broncos ban