Reece Walsh is an ‘elite talent’ who needs to become an ‘elite player’

Warriors coach Nathan Brown is optimistic NRL club will have have young fullback star Reece Walsh for some time to come.

Australian media reports have suggested Walsh has been feeling “uneasy” with the Warriors and may end up back home in Queensland with Brisbane Broncos or newcomers Redcliffe Dolphins sooner rather than later.

The 19-year-old has two years remaining on his three-year contract and found himself in trouble in the off season when he was fined and placed on a nine-month ‘good behaviour’ bond after admitting to cocaine possession.

Brown said he hadn’t spoken to Walsh about the reports.

Reece Walsh
Photo: Photosport

“I didn’t even look into that…I don’t worry about that sort of thing too much,” said Brown.

“I keep working hard with and I keep challenging him every day at training and his training is improving and I’m sure we will get some good footy out of him over the next few years…. hopefully he’s a long term player for the Warriors but we will just have to wait and see.”

Brown said while Walsh is “an elite talent” he’s not an “elite player” just yet.

“What we saw Reece do last year was just a gift from mum and dad – it was just all natural.

“He is certainly an elite talent to do what he did at his age but to become an elite player there’s a lot more to it and Reece is learning that and the end of last year (the drugs issue) was a kick up the backside and from what I hear he has certainly learnt a loss from that and I am hopeful that sort of stuff won’t happen again.

“The key for Reece is to learn to do the things that aren’t natural for him and he is making progress in that area,” said Brown.

“He’s got a long way to go before he becomes the player he could be – he’s only 19.”

Warriors Nathan Brown – Reece Walsh is an “elite talent” and now needs to become an “elite player”.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Brown said the biggest learning curve for Walsh is learning how to train properly.

“Reece has got a lot of skills he was gifted with that most people don’t get gifted with and he is very very fortunate… (but) turning up to training each day and training hard is a challenge for him and learning how to be professional that’s a challenge too.. and that’s a learnt skill.”

Meanwhile the Warriors have announced back rower Josh Curran has extended his contract through until the end of the 2024 season.

-RNZ