Reece Walsh has put to bed speculation Kevin Walters’ shock exit had changed his mind on signing his $5 million Broncos contract with his daughter’s appearance at the contract presentation a key detail in the deal. For months, Walsh was reported to be signing an even bigger deal to remain in Brisbane under Walters.
However, the Broncos hierarchy made the shock decision to axe Walters having failed to reach the NRL top eighth with the talented squad. Noise around Walsh’s mega-deal started to fade with Broncos fans waiting to see if Walters’ exit had an impact on the deal.
Before Michael Maguire was named the next coach, Walsh might have been waiting for stability at the club because there were still doubts about whether the two would get along. However, any uncertainty about Walsh’s mentality following Walters’ departure has been allayed by his early return to training and the news that he has signed a $5 million contract, making him the most paid Broncos player ever.
However, Walsh found it even more telling that his daughter, Leila, was present when the contract was signed. A video of Walsh’s extended stay in Brisbane was made public by the Broncos. Walsh was said to be signing a $5 million contract to remain with the team last month, rather than the $6 million that was first rumored.
Many people thought Walsh was worth more than $1.2 million a season, so this move caused a stir. Billy Slater, the coach of Queensland, stated that he wanted stability in his life with his daughter settled in Brisbane, which is why he was not pursuing more money on the NRL market.
When news of his $5 million contract broke in September, Slater remarked on Channel Nine, “I think it’s a great deal for the Broncos.” “I also believe it’s great for Reece. He and his family are close. He has made Brisbane his home. Although he might have earned an additional $200–300k annually elsewhere, he is determined to play for the Broncos. It’s a fantastic offer for everyone, in my opinion.
Walsh was photographed with his daughter at the club’s record-breaking signing, and the comments are telling. Walsh’s early return to training before the preseason has already demonstrated his willingness to adopt Maguire’s work ethic.
Reece Walsh commends his Broncos teammates
Walsh’s remarks about the club’s culture and his relationship with the players have also had a significant impact on his new contract. Walsh stated that his goal was to establish a club that would resemble teams like the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers.
“I wanted to be a part of this exciting time for the Broncos,” Walsh stated. “I never wanted to go, but there was a bit of a process because contracts take time. The group here made me want to stay.
We are a rather youthful group. Senior players are now being produced by some of the guys who were there during the difficult times. We can succeed as long as we remain united and have the same objective of winning a championship, which is to maintain working hard and developing excellent habits.
“Teams like Penrith and Melbourne have done great things because they have supported one another as a unit. I’m excited to work hard and have a successful preseason because I know the players are hungry. I believe that this team is capable of winning a premiership.