'Annoyed' Walsh opens up on 'rusty' Broncos return

Reece Walsh has revealed it was ‘always the plan’ to return against the Dolphins, despite the Broncos fullback suffering a facial fracture less than a month ago.

The 21-year-old was sidelined after a brutal hit from Taylan May back in round three, but made his comeback in Friday night’s impressive 28-14 win over the Dolphins.

Walsh had some nice touches throughout the match at Suncorp Stadium, highlighted by a dazzling long-range effort in the second half that put Brisbane ahead.

Speaking on the Nine coverage post-game, the speedster praised the effort of his teammates in the Battle of Brisbane’ but claimed he was “rusty” after a few weeks on the sideline due to the nasty injury.

Reece Walsh speaks to Billy Slater on the Nine broadcast after the Broncos win over the Dolphins.

“I always had the plan to come back early, I did the same thing last year,” Walsh said.

“I was a bit rusty out there tonight, but I’m happy we got the result and the boys hung in there and dug deep. It is important, Wayne’s teams keep fighting until the end and it’s good to get out there and get a win over them and keep building.

“Too many times, I try to push the pass and make that play. We’ve just got to keep building and identifying it and do my best to get better each week.

“It was a scrappy one, but we got it done.”

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Walsh finished with 147 run metres, three tackle breaks and an offload to go along with his try, but also came up with four errors in a frantic contest.

Reece Walsh in action against the Dolphins in round six.

The incumbent QLD Maroons fullback also admitted he struggled with the protective headgear he was forced to wear by Broncos staff.

“It was annoying,” Walsh said.

“But they were into me and said ‘If you want to come back early, you’ve got to wear the headgear’. I thought I would keep it on tonight and tick that box.

“I don’t think we will be seeing it next week.”

Despite the absence of both Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas, Brisbane will now move into the NRL’s top-eight with the win over their cross-town rivals, while the Dolphins drop to third following the Storm’s win over Canterbury.