Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh will add composure and smarts to his brilliant skill set in a sign of his growing maturity.
That is the view of Broncos hooker Billy Walters ahead of Walsh's first hit-out for 2025 in the trial against Canterbury on Saturday in Redcliffe.
Walsh, 22, only played 14 NRL games last year due to a fractured cheek, concussion and a broken hand.
As a result he struggled to gain any continuity in his play. The Broncos were below par as a team and Walsh, when he did play, tried at times to win the game on his own with high-risk plays.
The dazzling fullback backs himself to the hilt and chances his arm with flair. The Broncos won't be trying to take that away from him, but Walters said there was a more mature approach from him at training during game simulation sessions.
Walters said Walsh was "a lot more tame this year", before explaining what he meant.
"He's a lot smarter with how he is going about things and in his decisions," Walters said.
"He's not got the rush of blood. Last year he wanted to score on each play, but this year he is happy to build our sets and build our game and add his touches wherever he can."
Walsh lives and breathes footy. While he didn't play in the 50-12 win over Gold Coast in Toowoomba on Sunday, he was on the bench riding every moment.
Walters is just glad Walsh will be able to unleash against the Bulldogs.
"He is a bit of a stress head. I was sitting on the bench at the start of the second half," Walters said.
"He is like a coach the way he is egging every play on and trying to find ways to beat the defence or pick a team apart. I know he is itching to play and hopefully he can be on fire for us."
Cory Paix, who shone as the starting hooker in Toowoomba, said Walsh had been a positive presence at the club under new coach Michael Maguire.
"I am very pleased with Walshy. He has worked very hard on his fitness and turns up with a really good attitude and wants to get better," Paix said.
"Everyone can see that around the place. When you have got a dangerous Reece Walsh it can only mean good things for the club."
Prize recruit Ben Hunt has been named at five-eighth for his first game with the club since 2017. Captain Adam Reynolds is listed at No.7 and will play if he gets through training successfully this week.
Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan will line up in the front row, with Kobe Hetherington at lock.
