LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Reece Walsh has been struggling in the 2025 season with the Broncos, sparking rumors that he may have become "gun shy" after a brutal incident last year.
During a recent game against Canberra, Walsh made multiple errors and appeared hesitant whenever he had the ball, leading to questions about his confidence.
Former NRL player Mat Rogers suggested on SEN radio that Walsh's confidence may have been affected after being flattened by Joseph Suaalii in State of Origin 1 in 2024.
Walsh suffered a concussion from the high tackle and took weeks to recover, resulting in a decline in his performance upon his return.
Journalist Robert Craddock noted that Walsh's form has been inconsistent, with his confidence potentially still impacted by the incident.
The blame may fall on Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who was the coach of NSW at the time of the tackle.
While Maguire denied targeting Walsh, the pressure put on the young fullback during State of Origin could have contributed to his current struggles.
As Craddock reported, "There is a theory his confidence was rocked when he was flattened in State of Origin last year."
If Walsh's lackluster performance continues to be linked to the State of Origin incident, Maguire may face scrutiny for potentially contributing to the player's current struggles.
Despite recently signing a lucrative contract extension, Walsh's ability to challenge the defensive line and play aggressively has been called into question.
The impact of the brutal hit from Suaalii on Walsh's confidence and playing style remains a concerning issue for the Broncos, with Maguire possibly having inadvertently played a role in the young player's decline.