The Queensland coach made his feelings known about Reece Walsh’s pending call.
Queensland coach Billy Slater’s comments about Reece Walsh’s sacrifice have come back to light after the Broncos fullback potentially turned down bigger offers to keep his family in Brisbane. Walsh will become the highest-paid player in Broncos history with the 22-year-old fullback signing a $5 million extension to remain at the club.
The fullback put months of speculation to bed having signed with the Broncos with the deal confirmed only hours before 1 November. Walsh was accompanied by his young daughter at the club presentation and he posted a video on his Instagram of Leila walking around the Broncos facilities with him.
Reports initially suggested Walsh could be seeking a $6 million deal with the Broncos, which is not hard to see considering the fullback is arguably the most marketable player in the NRL. The Queensland fullback brings more eyeballs to the sport than any other player and could have attracted mega offers from rival clubs due to his immense talent.
Although Walsh signed for $1 million less than expected, which shows his desire to remain at the Broncos for his family’s sake. And speaking in September on his new deal, mentor and coach Slater claimed the 22-year-old was making the best decision for his daughter and family by staying in Brisbane.
“I think it’s a great deal for the Broncos,” Slater said on Channel Nine. “I think it’s really good for Reece too. He’s close to his family. He’s settled in Brisbane. He could have got another $200k to 300k a year somewhere else, but he wants to play for the Broncos. I think it’s a great deal all round for everyone.”
A number of NRL greats claimed the deal was a ‘steal’ for the Broncos, but Walsh claimed he was never looking at leaving Brisbane. Walsh was on a reported $600,000 salary having joined the Broncos from the Warriors as a prodigious talent. His deal will see him earn close to double this figure in the final year.
Billy Slater backs Reece Walsh’s work ethic
Plenty has been made of incoming coach Michael Maguire’s ability to control a ‘rockstar’ dressing room at the Broncos. Reports claimed standards had slipped under former coach Kevin Walters with suggestions Walsh was getting away with too much in the dressing room.
Although Slater moved to clarify a misconception around Walsh after State of Origin this year and said the young fullback worked extremely hard behind the scenes to improve his game. “He’s 22 years old and played 75 NRL games – the next 125 games will be with the Broncos and that will be the best period of his career,” Slater added. “I’ve worked closely with Reece, he’s got a great work ethic.
“He’s a very respectful young man – he has got a perception out there that he’s a bit of a larrikin and likes the limelight, but he works really hard and he loves the game of footy. The great thing for the Broncos is that you’ve got this young star who wants to be a Bronco — imagine how many clubs out there would love Reece Walsh.”
Reece Walsh backs Michael Maguire’s outlook
On Thursday, Walsh claimed he had spoken to Maguire and was ready to get on board his hardline stance. “I want to be someone who works hard, someone who brings success, someone who helps bring premierships to this great club, but first of all I’ve got to be a good person off the field, a caring dad, a good role model and I’ve got to work hard on my footy,” Walsh said on Thursday.
“I’ve had a few conversations with Madge (Maguire) and hard work is one thing he touches on a lot – I can’t wait to be around the boys again and get stuck into it together. As a player, you want to win and being a part of the Broncos that is expected, it’s a massive club with amazing members and fans, and amazing people working at the club as well as all our families, so you’re playing for more than just yourself. We didn’t have the best year last year and we are all looking forward to getting back in and work.”
