Reece Walsh’s 2024 NRL season has been a rollercoaster of struggles, and it now seems he might have played his last game for the year. The Brisbane Broncos star, who was instrumental in their recent victory over the Cowboys, has suffered a hand fracture. Despite the pain, Walsh managed to push through the injury in the second half, helping his team secure the win and keep their season hopes alive. However, the future of his participation this season is uncertain. Broncos officials have not yet confirmed if surgery will be necessary or provided a timeline for his return. Walsh is expected to consult a specialist soon, which will determine his next steps.
In the medical community, there is concern that Walsh may miss the remainder of the season. NRL Physio Brien Seeney, a leading injury expert, has noted that hand fractures often require surgery to stabilize the injury, which could help speed up recovery. However, even with surgery, the typical recovery time is about three to four weeks. Given the Broncos’ current situation, it’s uncertain if they will risk bringing Walsh back, especially if their chances of making the finals are slim by the time he’s ready to return.
The Broncos have a bye this weekend, followed by matches against the Eels, Dolphins, and Storm to close out the regular season. As the team sits four points outside the top eight heading into Round 24, their chances of making the finals are dwindling. If the team’s playoff prospects look bleak when Walsh is cleared to play, it’s unlikely they’ll risk his health for what could be meaningless games. Seeney mentioned that while recovery timelines can be flexible, especially when a team is vying for a finals spot, the dire circumstances facing the Broncos could mean Walsh’s season is effectively over.
The situation is further complicated by the mixed recovery timelines seen in other players with similar injuries. For example, Titans’ five-eighth Jayden Campbell returned after just two weeks from a hand fracture earlier in the season, while Bulldogs’ prop Max King has been sidelined for five weeks and counting. This variability makes it difficult to predict exactly when Walsh might be back, but the odds are not in his favor.
If Walsh does not return this season, it will cap off a particularly difficult year for the young fullback. The 22-year-old had an outstanding 2023 season, but 2024 has been marred by injuries and setbacks. He first suffered a facial fracture in Round 3 against the Panthers, which kept him out for two weeks. Later, he was knocked out just eight minutes into the first State of Origin match and didn’t return until the second game three weeks later. Unfortunately, his return didn’t bring the success he had hoped for, as New South Wales won both the second and third games, taking the series.
Walsh had been one of Queensland’s standout players during the 2023 State of Origin series, but this year he has struggled to find that same form. While he has shown flashes of brilliance when healthy, there have been ongoing concerns about his defensive play and consistency at fullback. The Broncos, who were grand finalists in 2023, have had a disappointing 2024 season, and frustrations within the team have started to surface. This was evident when Walsh had a heated exchange with teammate Corey Oates during a loss to the Titans two weeks ago. The incident sparked debate, with Broncos legend Steve Renouf labeling Walsh’s behavior as disrespectful.
Adding to the Broncos’ woes, the team announced that five-eighth Ezra Mam is out for the rest of the season following surgery for a syndesmosis injury. Payne Haas, another key player, is also unlikely to return after suffering a foot injury two weeks ago. According to Broncos’ head of performance, David Ballard, Haas will undergo further testing before a decision is made about his return, while another player, Tyson Smoothy, has begun rehab for an ankle injury.
In summary, Reece Walsh’s 2024 NRL season has been plagued by injuries and challenges, and with the latest setback, his season may be over. The Broncos face an uphill battle to make the finals, and with key players like Walsh, Mam, and Haas potentially out, the team’s prospects look bleak. The coming weeks will determine if Walsh can make a late-season return, but the odds are stacked against him.
