Billy Slater has publicly backed Broncos fullback Reece Walsh amid mounting criticism regarding his error rate. While Walsh showcased his skills during Brisbane’s victory over the Cowboys in round three, he also committed five costly mistakes. This followed a disappointing performance against the Raiders the previous week.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has defended Walsh, addressing concerns about his high-energy playing style potentially becoming a liability. Nonetheless, Slater, who has coached Walsh at the State of Origin level, believes the positives may outweigh the negatives as Walsh hones his game.
“He’s going to grow and mature into a more consistent player,” Slater stated. He acknowledged Walsh’s commendable defensive efforts and moments of brilliance on the field, despite some mistakes. “He works hard and critiques his performance, so I’m sure he’ll improve,” Slater added. He noted that with the creation of numerous scoring opportunities, there can be a psychological expectation to always succeed, which may contribute to some of Walsh’s errors.
Brad Fittler also emphasised the importance of support from Walsh’s teammates, highlighting that his quick movements can sometimes interfere with play dynamics. At just 22 years old, Walsh has quickly risen to stardom in rugby league since his breakout season with the Broncos two years ago. He has also represented the Maroons but now faces increased pressure to maintain his position as the first-choice fullback, especially with Kalyn Ponga available for selection for this year’s series.
As Brisbane prepares to face the Dolphins in round four, all eyes will be on how Walsh adjusts and continues to develop in his career.