Reece Walsh detail called out as 'irresponsible' $4 million Joseph Suaalii twist sparks backlash

Former NRL players Matty Johns and Denan Kemp have questioned Rugby Australia and the staggering new details in Joseph Suaalii's bombshell contract reveal when comparing his career to that of Broncos favourite Reece Walsh. This week, further details emerged of Suaalii's contract with Australian rugby reportedly offering him a two-year extension worth close to $4 million.

This would cast a shadow over any NRL contract, which raised questions over Rugby Australia's spending on a 21-year-old talent yet to fully show his X-factor. Suaalii entered the NRL with huge expectations and has shown glimpses of his talent playing in the backline for the Roosters.

This year he was controversially rewarded with a call-up to the NSW squad, but was sent off for a high-tackle on Walsh in the opening minutes. This ended his representative run after he was banned for Game 2.

His season was strong scoring five tries in 21 games playing at centre. Suaalii's prominence in the game was strong, but falls short of a star that debuted at a similar time.

Walsh's statistics and standing in the game have skyrocketed across the last two years. The 22-year-old Broncos fullback has already played five games for Queensland in State of Origin. Walsh is considered one of the most exciting talents in the game and scored 14 tries in 14 games for the Broncos in 2024.

Walsh is touted as a future fullback for the Kangaroos and is expected to sign the biggest contract in Brisbane Broncos history. Reports emerged Walsh had agreed in principle to remain at the club on a new four-year deal worth $5 million. But the deal is yet to be confirmed by the club and it's believed Walsh hasn't put pen to paper.

This would make Walsh the youngest million dollar player in NRL history. Walsh's reported deal is less than initially thought, which showed his willingness to knock back rivals and stay at the Broncos. However, Walsh's pending deal is still well short of what Suaalii is going to earn. If Suaalii signs on for another two years past the 2027 World Cup hosted in Australia, he will be likely far out earn any NRL player.

And Johns and former Broncos player Kemp questioned Rugby Australia's spending on Suaalii as the game looks to compete with the NRL for talent. "What about this, it came out about Joseph Suaalii he has got an extra two years...on two million a year," Johns said on his SEN Radio segment.

"Talk about irresponsible spending," Kemp added. "What I don't understand with the Suaalii one, I love Suaalii because I think he is a gun, who did the research into his star power because at the moment he is not a star in rugby league.

"He is a gun and he may become a star...he is good looking and he has got the swagger, but at the moment it just hasn't clicked."

Kemp compared Suaalii to Walsh's star power and said the two are in different stratospheres. "For example, Reece Walsh, they have probably played similar years, and that has clicked really quickly. I want to know where did they got that value from?" he added.

Johns claimed the upcoming 2027 World Cup and upcoming tour of the British and Irish Lions is a huge draw card for the code in Australia. Although Johns warned Rugby Australia of how it could look if results don't start to turn in their favour.

And Kemp agreed Suaalii had done very well for himself with his contact, but would be better proving his talent in the NRL. "I am stoked for Suaalii, that is a deal of a lifetime. He is set up for life. I just think go over there for two years, get your big coin, come back to the NRL and keep growing as a player," Kemp added.

The other side of the argument is the Broncos managed to grab Walsh - if he puts pen to paper - on a remarkable deal. The 22-year-old is an attacking weapon and is only set to grow as a player with 2024 an injury-laden season for both the Broncos and Queensland.

Reece Walsh contract in doubt after Walters exit

While Walsh is expected to sign a new mega-deal with the Broncos, fans are asking what Kevin Walters' departure as Brisbane Broncos coach means for the fullback's future. Broncos players were reportedly surprised at Walters' axing and coach Maguire's quick appointment ahead of next year.

Many have questioned whether Maguire's tough approach to training will gel with Walsh. However, despite copping backlash from former Broncos players over his appointment, incoming coach Maguire showered Walsh with praise and was keen to work with the talented fullback.

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"When you talk about standards and wanting to go the extra yard, Reece can really go the extra yard," Maguire said. "Everyone can see what he’s capable of doing. I’ve always seen with my players … if you can improve as a player, you get hungry for more success, because it’s actually good fun when you improve.

“I’m really looking forward to sitting down with Reece and understanding his game and being able to build his game. I’d like to get to know Reece, that’s the first thing I want to do, is get to know him as a person. Like all the players across the competition, they’re talented, but I want to understand him, how he reads the game and educating him to the way I’d like him to play."