Reece Walsh hospital photo comes to light amid fresh dramas engulfing Brisbane Broncos
Walsh and teammate Ezra Mam are also at the centre of an NRL investigation.
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Brisbane Broncos, a photo has emerged of Reece Walsh on a hospital bed in Bali after a mishap while surfing. News emerged on Friday that Walsh and teammate Ezra Mam were at the centre of an NRL investigation over an incident in which a third party's mobile phone was damaged.
And a photo has now come to light that shows Walsh receiving treatment in a Bali medical centre. The Broncos are holidaying in the Indonesian tourist destination after finishing 12th in 2024 and missing the NRL finals.
It marked the club's biggest fall from grace in history after they made the grand final last year. On top of the NRL investigation, it's now emerged that Walsh suffered some nasty injuries to his back after a mishap while surfing.
The photo was reportedly taken from the “resuscitation area” in an Indonesian medical facility, showing Walsh in his underwear receiving treatment. Judging by the smile and thumbs up from Mam standing nearby, the incident doesn't appear too serious.
Walsh was reportedly dragged across a reef after coming off his board while surfing. While his injuries don't appear serious, it's another headache for Broncos officials amid a tumultuous time.
Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam at centre of NRL investigation
The NRL integrity unit launched a probe on Friday into an alleged incident involving Walsh and Mam in which a person's phone was allegedly damaged. According to reports, the NRL received a complaint about Walsh and Mam's behaviour, and the integrity unit is now investigating.
The complaint is said to be in relation to damage that was caused to a mobile phone. According to reports, a person attempted to take a selfie with Walsh when Mam took exception to the person's behaviour.
The Courier Mail is reporting that the Broncos were told the players allegedly reacted to being filmed during their holiday. The same report states the players replaced the damaged phone and paid for a new one.
Walsh and Mam’s manager Nash Dawson has claimed the damage to the phone was caused by accident. “The damaged phone was simply an accident within a heavily populated nightclub in Bali,” he said, according to the Courier Mail. “A person’s phone was dropped and damaged, to which that person has asked for the player to pay for the damages and the player has already paid it.”
Earlier this year, Walsh had issued a public plea imploring fans to be more respectful when interacting with players. “If you’re over 10 years old and especially if you’re a grown adult and you don’t use your manners when asking for a photo, don’t be shook when you get a no,” the 22-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“We are people at the end of the day, do (not) just expect these things!! I love getting photos and chatting to everyone but if you just put a phone in my face and demand a photo I won’t wanna do it!! Please and thank you goes a long way! Have a great day.”
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The fresh furore come less than 48 hours after the Broncos announced coach Kevin Walters would depart with immediate effect. Walters took the Broncos to the grand final in 2023 but missed the finals in all three of the other seasons he was in charge.
Walsh was close with Walters, and questions have now emerged about what the sacking means for the young fullback's new contract. Walsh has reportedly agreed to remain at Brisbane on a four-year extension worth $5 million, but is yet to officially sign the new deal.
