LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Andrew Johns praised Reece Walsh for a mature decision he made during the Broncos' win over the Dolphins, noting that the young fullback seemed to be more level-headed than in previous games.
Walsh, who has had a tumultuous start to the year with multiple errors, received the ball under pressure in a moment during the game where instead of trying to force a play, he held onto the ball and took a hard hit.
Johns highlighted this moment as a sign that Walsh may have turned a corner in his decision-making on the field.
"That was a great play from Reece Walsh," Johns commented during the Channel 9 broadcast.
"To just hold onto the ball instead of looking to push the pass like he's done recently."
While Walsh has been criticized for his tendency to try and produce a big play every time he touches the ball and his high error rate in previous games, his performance on Friday night showed improvement in his decision-making.
The young fullback produced a try assist and broke four tackles during the game, contributing to the Broncos' victory over their Queensland rivals.
Despite being relatively quiet during the match, Walsh's more measured display was a positive sign for both the team and fans.
The 22-year-old's ability to recognize when to take a hit and secure possession instead of risking a turnover impressed Johns, who acknowledged the progress Walsh showed in that particular moment.
The praise from the rugby league legend comes as a validation of the potential he sees in Walsh's skill set.
As the Broncos continue their season with a 3-1 record while the Dolphins struggle at 0-4, Walsh's improved decision-making on the field is a promising development for the young player and his team.