LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Reece Walsh has responded to the controversy over recently surfaced footage of him punching a friend while wearing boxing gloves.
The 22-year-old NRL star, currently sidelined with a knee injury, shared the video on TikTok before deleting it.
The Brisbane Broncos, after viewing the footage, expressed their dissatisfaction with the timing, given the team's poor performance-having lost five of their last six games.
The Broncos officials are now conducting an investigation and seeking an explanation from Walsh.
The situation appears to have raised eyebrows, especially since he recently signed a lucrative $5 million contract extension.
In a bid to downplay the seriousness of the situation, Walsh took to social media, stating, "Just to add context to the video recently posted - it was a joke with me (sic) best mate.
No one was harmed, boys being boys." His manager, Nash Dawson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the act was intended as a joke among friends.
Public reaction has largely leaned toward disbelief, as many fans question the need for an investigation over what they perceive as harmless fun.
Concerns have emerged regarding Walsh's focus on his off-field image, particularly in light of his contract and the scrutiny he faces.
As the Broncos continue their investigation, Walsh is expected to return to play in Round 13 after the team's bye this weekend.