Reece Walsh ends nine-month silence after Broncos accused of rule breach around NRL star

Reece Walsh addressed the media on Monday for the first time since February, in a sign that Michael Maguire is making key changes at the Brisbane Broncos. In August, questions came to light about whether some teams were flouting NRL rules around how often players had to be made available to the media.

It was revealed that Walsh hadn't held a press conference since before the season started, contravening rules that all players must be made available to talk to the media once every three weeks. Questions were asked about whether some players were being given special treatment, with Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita also protected from having to speak.

Walsh spoke to reporters in February in America ahead of the Broncos' opening round game in Las Vegas. But apart from giving some individual interviews to the Courier Mail and Brisbane Broncos website, the 22-year-old wasn't put before a media scrum for the rest of the season.

Monday's press conference was the first time Walsh spoke to reporters in a group setting for nine months, and might indicate that Maguire isn't giving anyone preferential treatment. Walsh might have been protected from the media under the old regime, but under Maguire that won't be happening.

Reece Walsh lifts the lid on Michael Maguire conversations

And the star fullback spoke of the impact Maguire had had in his first few weeks as Broncos coach. The new mentor has had some honest conversations with Walsh, who is confident he can be more consistent in 2025.

"I think narrowing the gap between my best game and my worst, that's a big thing that's sticking out in my head," Walsh said. "Consistency is a big thing I'm chasing. Madge (Maguire) is big on turning up here each day, putting your best foot forward and having a red hot crack, and I think that's something I want to build in my game.

"You look at players like Payne (Haas), where every single game he's turning up and every single training session he's turning up. That's a big thing for me.

"There have been some really good honest conversations. They are the conversations you want to have to get better. It is about me growing as a person and a player. I want to be that player that everyone wants to play with. Madge is driving that. I have got so much growth in me and that is what is exciting.

"I feel like the position I play … it's time for myself to start taking on more of a leader role. I've got so much more to learn and it's good having Madge and all the senior boys there I can lean on for advice."

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Reece Walsh grateful to have future at Broncos sorted

Walsh also said he's relieved to finally have his future sorted after signing a $5 million extension to stay in Brisbane for the next four years. "It was a long time coming," he said.

"Now it is all done I don't have to think about anything besides working hard and building a really strong culture. I am just happy that it is done now. I play rugby league to win and I believe we are building a strong work ethic here. We are pushing each other to be better."

with AAP