Reece Walsh locks in NRL future, signs $5 million deal

Reece Walsh has finally extended his stay at the Broncos after months of speculation, with the livewire fullback signing a new four-year deal that will keep him in Brisbane until the end of the 2029 season.

The 22-year-old would’ve been the most sought after free agent on Friday but has now secured his long-term future on a deal worth a reported $4.4 million, with reports as early as March that he’d signed the biggest deal in club history.

Walsh is one of the most freakishly talented players in the NRL, with the flashy fullback guiding the Broncos to the grand final a year ago in his first season with the club after a couple of campaigns with the Warriors.

His speed, footwork and passing game make him one of the toughest players to handle, and his decision to commit to the club until 2029 is a huge win for new coach Michael Maguire who has to spend his first week in charge dealing with the ongoing Ezra Mam drama.

Walsh now has the chance to become the face of the mega club which has been starved of success in recent years and hasn’t won a title since 2006.

“It’s a special place here at the Broncos and I’m definitely happy to be staying here at the club with all my mates – it’s a good day,” he said.

“I’ve wanted to play for the Broncos since I was a little kid, so I’m just really excited to be here and looking forward to getting into pre-season and Round 1.

“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.

Reece Walsh's future is secured after he signed a contract extension that will see him become the highest paid Bronco in history.

“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.

“As a player you want to win and being a part of the Broncos that is expected, it’s a massive club with amazing members and fans, and amazing people working at the club as well as all our families, so you’re playing for more than just yourself.

“We didn’t have the best year last year and we are all looking forward to getting back in and working really hard for each other and getting the Broncos back to where the club deserves to be.”

Walsh was restricted to just 14 appearances last season and suffered a sickening head knock when he was clobbered high by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii just seven minutes into the State of Origin opener.

But he’s already been hard at work at training and will be the most important cog in their attack if they are to return to the finals after finishing 12th which ultimately cost Kevin Walters his job as coach.

Walsh is the most marketable player in the game and has a huge following on social media, with fans waiting hours after the game to get his autograph or some of his playing gear.

“It’s terrific news that Reece has recommitted to our club - he’s certainly proven himself to be an exciting player with plenty of potential,” Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said.

“We’re proud of how Reece has grown from our Broncos Academy program up into our NRL roster and the State of Origin arena as well.

“Reece would have been in high demand, but he has now locked down his long-term future and he’ll play an important role in the team.”