Michael Maguire in shock Reece Walsh poaching confession ahead of $5 million Broncos move
The 22-year-old fullback has not announced his new deal at the Broncos just yet.
New Broncos coach Michael Maguire has revealed he attempted to convince fullback Reece Walsh to play for New Zealand a few years ago as fans wait news about the 22-year-old's future contract. Plenty has been made of Maguire's appointment at the Broncos with the incoming coach already making calls to the coaching staff - as fans wait for news about Allan Langer - ahead of the 2025 season.
Maguire is already facing a tough task of winning over the Broncos old boys next year - with the club copping it over the axing of Kevin Walters - but he is also moving to get all the players on the board. Last week, Maguire sent a message to the players that they would need to buy into his hard work motto to succeed in the NRL.
And after suggestions there are 'rockstars' in the dressing room, Maguire revealed he has spoken to Walsh about what he needs from the fullback next season. Walsh started the 2024 season in form having scored nine tries in 10 games before being selected for State of Origin.
However, his season was interrupted having been concussed in Origin Game 1. The fullback couldn't find the consistency in his game when returning to club level, despite finishing the season with 14 tries in 14 games. The Broncos struggled towards the end of the season having finished in 12th place, resulting in Walters' axing.
Despite the poor season in Brisbane, Walsh is reportedly waiting to sign a mega $5 million, four-year deal with the club. Although what is holding the deal up remains to be seen with the club wanting to lock down the highly-marketable and talented fullback. And with Maguire getting his first official week as Broncos coach underway, the former NSW coach reached out to Walsh and claimed the duo are on board for the upcoming season.
Maguire admitted the fullback is willing to become one of the all-time NRL greats as he looks to put the bruises of 2024 behind him. However, in a shock reveal, Maguire admitted he spoke to the 22-year-old a few years ago when he took over as New Zealand coach.
“I knew he had New Zealand heritage, so I reached out, but Reece has a big love for Queensland and no doubt he will want to play for Australia one day,” Maguire said to The Courier Mail having revealed his recent chat with Walsh. “So he stuck with the Origin pathway. I love that Reece is in the Origin system because the best players learn even more at that level.
“There’s no doubt Reece is very talented and wants to be one of the greats of the game. To do that, you have to turn up consistently over periods of time, year after year, whether it’s Reece or whoever." Maguire opened up about his desire to break the 19-year premiership drought at the Broncos as he looks to build a Penrith Panthers-like dynasty at the Brisbane club.
Michael Maguire slaps down 'rockstar' claims
Last week, Maguire appeared on SEN Radio and attempted to shut down claims the Broncos dressing room is full of 'rockstars'. Walsh came under criticism over claims he developed an 'ego' last year, despite those within the game attempting to quell the noise.
Maguire has admitted he has heard the chat around the dressing room in Brisbane and was aware he brings a different set of skills to the club. "You hear all the noise, at the end of the day, until I meet someone, that's when I'll judge them. There are certain things I know we need to do as a group to see success. And be successful," he said on SEN Radio.
"I have been fortunate to be around a lot of pretty good players. They all have a pretty similar personality, and they all have similar traits. And that is wanting to be the best. And keeping your feet on the ground is one of them. You need to be humble and respectful."
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Maguire didn't mince words when asked about what he expects from the players at his new club. "I have only ever seen success come when players want to work hard. And that is what I will be asking of the players," Maguire said.
"It comes with sacrifice...the harder you work, the more things come into your life." Fortunately for Maguire, Queensland coach and Storm great Slater has backed Walsh's work ethic during his brief time mentoring the fullback. The State of Origin coach claimed Walsh works hard behind the scenes, which isn't seen by the public.
