Broncos marquee recruit Reece Walsh has revealed the “healthy” competition for the No.1 jersey as Kevin Walters’ side prepare for their 2023 campaign.
The 20-year-old former Warrior signed a three-year deal with Brisbane in July after securing an early release from his New Zealand contract.
Walsh joined the Warriors in 2021 seeking first grade opportunities after coming through the Broncos junior ranks.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Walsh will fight for fullback role | 00:58
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
The gun fullback returns to Red Hill with 38 games of NRL experience and a call-up to the Maroons squad — but nothing is certain and he will once again be fighting it out for Brisbane’s fullback spot.
“I think it is really good to feel competition, there is a couple of boys who want that jersey,” Walsh said.
“I think it’s healthy and something that I am looking forward to and obviously I need to keep pushing myself and nothing’s guaranteed.”
The Broncos have a number of other selection battles ahead of their opening game of the 2023 season, taking on the reigning premiers, the Panthers.
Billy Walters, Cory Paix and young gun Blake Mozer are set to fight it out for the No.9 and No.14 jersey, while Jock Madden is doing his best to partner Adam Reynolds in the halves over Ezra Mam.
“It is going to be a good competition over the next year and it will be interesting to see how much sleep Kevvie (Walters) gets the next couple of week,” Walsh said.
Cleary expects more from himself | 03:40
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
WC FINAL: Inside the rise of a sleeping rugby league giant after an angry declaration
TRANSFER WHISPERS: Raiders set to make double play for Titans’ $1.25m man
RADLEY: England enforcer faces sanction as NRL investigate alleged headbutt
ELIGIBILITY: Samoa’s stunning WC rise and what it means for NRL eligibility
“I think he might be a bit stressed with all the boys fighting for positions.”
Broncos’ head of recruitment Simon Scanlan, who first signed Walsh as a 14-year-old and lured him back to the club, previously said no one’s positions were set in stone.
“The thing we’ve made clear is Reece isn’t guaranteed anything,” Scanlan said.
“We have Tesi Niu and Herbie Farnworth wanting to play fullback as well so it will be a shootout for that No.1 jumper in the pre-season.
“Reece has to come in and fight for the jumper.
“No-one at the club has been told they are locked in as the No.1 fullback. Reece is one of the guys in the mix.
“Reece has to earn the respect of the group, he has to earn the right to put the fullback jersey on and work hard to fit within the team and play his role.”
