His speed has set the NRL alight in 2024 – but the Broncos have made the stunning admission that they want Reece Walsh to actually slow down his game.
Walsh is the form player in the league, tearing teams apart with his electrifying pace.
But the flying fullback also led the NRL in errors last season – and that is what the club is wary of.
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“He does everything really quick – that’s his strength but it’s also his weakness,” assistant coach Lee Briers told the BBC league podcast.
“As we know the older you get, the game slows down on you.
“We’re not trying to slow his head down, but slow his feet down a bit so when he’s got the ball he can make decisions a little easier.
“With Reece it’s all 100mph so he has to make them decisions at 100mph, if we can just pull him back a bit then – because his football brain is awesome.
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“He just thinks really quick and wants to move on quicker than anybody else and sometimes you just have to pull him back, pull him back and then let him go on the weekend… he’s an absolute superstar.”
Walsh’s error rate has dropped markedly this season, so the Broncos may well have found the secret to getting the best out of their pocket rocket.
FIJI’S NEW PUSH FOR NRL INCLUSION
Fiji is getting serious about its bid to become the NRL’s 18th franchise, offering something no other club in the game has – a retractable roof stadium.
With the country’s government providing massive tax breaks for investors, a multi-national firm has put the ground-breaking idea on the table.
Bid director Bev Broughton was recently approached by a private investor with the idea that will come in very handy given Fiji’s tropical climate.
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The stadium will also be close to Nadi’s superb five-star resorts, adding to the allure for fans of the current 17 NRL clubs to make it a Vegas-style holiday destination when their team goes on away trips.
PNG remains favourite to get the nod from the NRL, but is losing ground in the wake of recent local unrest and safety concerns.
AUSSIE EXPORT RETURNS HOME
The $100 million NFL man, Jordan Mailata, returned to his roots at Ruse Park deep in Bulldogs territory last weekend.
Too big for rugby league, Mailata switched to American football a few years back and is now one of the sport’s glamour players with the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the 27-year-old hasn’t forgotten where he comes from and hosted an NFL flag football coaching clinic for 150 star-struck youngsters.
The NFL is attempting to go global with the sport – aimed at young players – similar to OzTag with less physical contact than the big game.
“They all loved getting tips from him, taking selfies and it was wonderful that he made this nostalgic trip to Australia to meet the kids,” Bankstown Bulls Club President Ali Mehanna said.
DOGS RALLY BEHIND STRUGGLING STAR
Bulldogs fans have rallied behind halfback Drew Hutchison after he was booed off the field during last Sunday’s win over the Knights.
Hutchison – who isn’t a world beater but is a good, solid first grader – was heckled and jeered by a section of the crowd at Homebush when replaced late in the game.
But several Bulldogs fan websites have jumped in to defend the 28-year-old utility, who has played every game for the club this season and been solid.
“These so-called fans are not supporters of our club,” one Bulldogs insider commented.
“They are just imbeciles and we would be better if they just went away.
“Fortunately they are just a small minority and most of the supporter base is great.”