The young fullback is being tipped to bounce back against the Cowboys.
The Brisbane Broncos coaching staff have identified a need for Reece Walsh to run the ball more after the fullback endured the worst game of his NRL career last weekend. Walsh made four errors and missed four tackles as the Broncos suffered a shock loss to Canberra, but the 22-year-old is being tipped to have a bounce-back game against the Cowboys in Round 3.
Part of the plan against the Cowboys will be getting Walsh to think about running first (rather than passing). He threw a number of wayward passes against the Raiders while trying to produce a miracle ball, and the Broncos’ brains trust have identified that he needs to run more.
Rumours are circulating that Walsh has become “gun shy” and doesn’t want to get tackled after he was knocked out by Joseph Suaalii in State of Origin last year. Against the Roosters in Round 1 he was running very sideways, and against the Raiders he didn’t want to go into heavy contact.
But if the 22-year-old – who recently signed a $5 million extension – gets his running game back he could carve up a Cowboys side who have conceded 78 points in just two games. Walsh was also seen working on his defensive positioning at training this week, and is known to get caught out of position at the back at times.
The Broncos are keen for Walsh to focus on chiming in rather than attempting to be the conductor on Friday night, with veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt capable of doing that. Walsh was clearly upset with himself during the Raiders clash, and is not afraid of an honest assessment of his form.
“I am sure he will be pushing to play one of his better games. I fully back him,” Broncos winger Jesse Arthars said, predicting Walsh will bounce back against the Cowboys. “I will be be there to support him.