Reece Walsh singled out after $5 million Brisbane Broncos move amid huge Wally Lewis call
Outgoing Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher has confidently predicted that Reece Walsh is destined to become the NRL’s premier player, likening the 22-year-old Brisbane Broncos fullback to the legendary Wally Lewis. Hatcher, who has a deep understanding of rugby league in Queensland, believes Walsh has the potential to follow in the footsteps of “The King” himself—a comparison that highlights just how highly the young star is regarded. During Hatcher’s tenure, the QRL experienced one of the most successful eras in Queensland’s rugby league history, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s most accomplished administrators.
With a career spanning 55 years, Hatcher has been a witness to some of Queensland rugby league’s most iconic moments, including the birth of the State of Origin series in 1980 and the dominance of Maroons legend Wally Lewis. He also watched as the Maroons, under coach Mal Meninga, claimed an unparalleled eight consecutive Origin series victories from 2006 to 2013. Now, at age 78, Hatcher is preparing to pass the baton to his successor, Brian Canavan, but not before sharing a few parting insights. In his closing remarks, Hatcher has also called for celebrated coach Wayne Bennett to be inducted as the NRL’s next Immortal. However, it’s his endorsement of Walsh and the qualities he sees in him that are capturing the attention of Broncos fans, who may now dare to envision a new golden era led by the young fullback.
Reflecting on Walsh’s impact, Hatcher remarked that he has rarely seen any player since Lewis who can influence a game so profoundly. While he acknowledges that there will always be only one “King,” Hatcher believes that Walsh has a unique ability to create game-changing moments, both defensively and offensively, that are reminiscent of Lewis’s extraordinary style. In an interview with The Courier Mail, Hatcher expressed confidence that Walsh could become the NRL’s top player over the next ten years, leading the Broncos to their first premiership since 2006. “Absolutely… he’s just a supreme talent,” Hatcher said. “A team is only as good as its essential parts, and if Reece has one of his blinders, that’s at least 12 points he scores on his own. His speed is incredible, and he’s one player who can make an enormous difference to team performance. The key for Reece is the Broncos can’t have this dependence on just one player to turn the game for them.”
Hatcher admits Walsh is still young and has room to grow, yet the lofty expectations surrounding him reflect his impressive value to Brisbane, especially after he secured a lucrative four-year extension worth over $4.4 million. Walsh has already demonstrated his commitment to elevating the Broncos by returning to pre-season training two weeks early, ready to work under new head coach Michael Maguire. Known for his no-nonsense, disciplinarian approach, Maguire has quickly set a demanding tone in Brisbane’s pre-season, putting players through intense drills in the scorching Queensland sun as he aims to raise the club’s performance standards. Walsh has eagerly embraced Maguire’s philosophy, signaling his dedication to help the Broncos reach new heights.
In a recent interview, Walsh outlined his personal and professional goals for the upcoming season, saying, “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.” He added that Maguire’s emphasis on hard work has been inspiring, and he looks forward to tackling the season alongside his teammates. “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.”
Walsh is also standing by his teammate Ezra Mam, who is currently navigating a challenging period following a recent car crash. Mam, who was reportedly unlicensed at the time of the accident and initially failed a roadside drug test, faces a fine and possible suspension while the Broncos and the NRL await further test results. Despite the incident, Walsh spoke highly of Mam’s character, showing strong support for his teammate. “I feel for Ezra, he is an awesome person for a start,” Walsh said. “He is going through a tough time at the moment, and everyone in this club feels for him. They know the bloke Ezra is and how caring he is. We have his back, and it’s important we are there for him and we support him… he has made a poor decision, but that doesn’t define who he is as a person or define the future. I know he will learn from it and take the actions he needs to come back in the right way.”
As Walsh steps into the spotlight under a new coaching regime and with the backing of Hatcher’s high praise, expectations are high for what he can accomplish with the Broncos. It’s a fresh start for the young star, who, armed with speed, skill, and determination, could be on the verge of cementing his own legacy alongside the greats of Queensland rugby league.
