LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Shaun Johnson, a former NRL star, has called on Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds to support Reece Walsh during his current form slump.
Despite some shaky performances lately, Walsh has shown glimpses of his talent on the field.
Against the Cowboys, he struggled again, making errors and rushed passes, but putting in a solid defensive effort.
Johnson, who burst onto the NRL scene himself, believes Walsh should stick to what makes him special and not stray from his natural game.
He emphasized the importance of Hunt and Reynolds allowing Walsh to showcase his unique skills on the field.
Johnson's advice comes from his own experience transitioning to halfback and proving doubters wrong.
He urged Walsh not to lose confidence in his abilities and to continue playing the way that has made him stand out in the league.
Johnson cautioned against trying to change Walsh's game too much, especially with experienced players like Hunt and Reynolds beside him to help control the tempo.
"It can be a dangerous place to go...I don't know if we should be asking Walsh to go away from that," Johnson said, acknowledging the advice Walsh has been receiving.
Instead, he encouraged Walsh to diversify his game under the guidance of his more experienced teammates.
In the face of criticism and pressure to perform, Walsh can take comfort in the support of his teammates and the wisdom of a seasoned player like Johnson.
By staying true to his strengths and continuing to learn and adapt, Walsh can overcome his current struggles and return to the form that made him a rising star in the NRL.