Broncos fans call out concerning Reece Walsh images as Origin recall in jeopardy
NRL fans were left concerned as Reece Walsh lined-up to play for the Broncos after he was struggling in the warm-up, before a number of individual errors cost his team. The Broncos were looking to string two performances together for the first time in a while as they entered the clash at Suncorp after a victory two weeks ago against the Titans.
However, Walsh was visibly struggling when going through his routine with his right leg still strapped. Walsh returned from his MCL injury two weeks ago and appeared to be rejuvenated. However, the 22-year-old wasn't moving as well ahead of the Sharks clash and it was pointed out by Fox Sports sideline reporter Eloise Sohier.
"Reece Walsh warmed-up metres away from me. He looked really uncomfortable. He called for extra strapping on that right knee," she said.
And Melbourne Storm legend Cooper Cronk suggested he wasn't moving well in the first play of the game. "His first touch off the scrum wasn't exactly dynamic," Cronk said in commentary.
This prompted questions to why Michael Maguire played Walsh when he was visibly struggling with his knee injury. And the pressure quickly piled on the Broncos having entered half-time 22-12 down after some horror defensive efforts.
Walsh was involved in one when Teig Wilton made a break through the Broncos line and easily stepped back on the inside past the fullback. Walsh looked slow to react, clearly hampered by his injury. He was also at fault for rushing off the line in the Sharks' first try in the second-half with Brisbane looking in disarray.
Many tipped Walsh to return to the Queensland No.1 jersey if could string a few games together. However, Walsh's grimacing before kick-off wouldn't fill Maguire or Queensland coach Billy Slater with much confidence. And fans were left concerned over Walsh's participation for Brisbane after struggling through the first 40 minutes.
Seriously if Reece Walsh still carrying a injury why is he playing?#sharksbroncos #sharks #broncos
— Leith Ross (@xKingLJx) June 22, 2025
Another concern for the Broncos and NSW was the injury to Payne Haas. The NSW prop has been the best player for the Blues and Broncos in 2025, but carried a groin injury into Game 2 of Origin. And it appeared to be limiting him early in the clash against the Sharks with the forward leaving the field and heading straight down the tunnel.
In good news for both teams, Haas returned with extra strapping and continued for his side. Both Maguire and NSW coach Laurie Daley will be hoping the best prop in the game remains fit with the forward a key player for both sides.
Walsh's season was disrupted by a knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks, but he returned with two tries in the Broncos' thrashing of the Titans a fortnight ago. The 22-year-old has played five Origin games to date, and has clashes with the Sharks and Warriors to state his case for selection in Game 3.
"When you are a Queenslander, that's all you want to do," Walsh said after the Titans game about a possible call-up. "If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I'll be there and ready to go. If he doesn't, I'll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home."
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