LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Aussie sporting icon Ian Healy has called out Reece Walsh over a controversial TikTok video where the Brisbane Broncos fullback appeared to punch a friend while wearing boxing gloves.
Walsh described the video as a light-hearted joke, emphasizing that it was taken down shortly after posting.
However, the incident has drawn ire from Broncos officials, who have launched an investigation, especially given the team's recent struggles, having lost five of their last six games.
Walsh has been sidelined due to a knee injury but is set to return for round 13 after the team's bye in round 12.
The timing of the video could not be worse for the Broncos, who are already facing scrutiny following the reported axing of veteran prop Martin Taupau.
Taupau was let go after liking a post that criticized coach Michael Maguire's style, adding to the club's current turmoil.
In an attempt to clarify the situation, Walsh expressed regret about the impact of the video, acknowledging it did not represent himself or the club well.
He told Channel Nine that while it was meant as a joke, it could easily be misinterpreted: "Just having a laugh with my mate, obviously.
We don't support violence and stuff like that, but obviously, it's not a good look for myself and that was all [me] trying to have a laugh and a good time with friends."
He further reflected on how he could have made better choices, recognizing the potential message of trivializing violence: "I feel like I could have obviously chosen [my actions] a lot better.
I feel like just having a laugh with my mate and putting it on social media and stuff like that.
It's really important that we try and keep those things away and obviously we don't support violence in those sorts of ways.
[Things] probably went a bit too far."
The Broncos are eager to stabilize both their season and their image, and Walsh's actions are seen as a distraction at a critical time.