Reece Walsh receives huge boost from Wayne Bennett as early return to NRL confirmed
The Broncos fullback will make his NRL return this weekend against the table-topping Dolphins.
Broncos star Reece Walsh has been named to make his NRL return against the Dolphins on Friday night. Walsh was initially reported to be out for between four and six weeks after a controversial incident with Taylan May saw him fracture his cheekbone in Brisbane's 34-12 loss to the Panthers in round three.
The Broncos fullback will make his return a week ahead of schedule against the table-topping Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. This week Walsh has trained in bright pink headgear, with his new accessory as a way of protecting his fractured cheek.
With an injury such as his many teams would be told to target the returning Maroons star but injured skipper Adam Reynolds says Bennett-coached sides don't play that way. The veteran halfback played under Bennett at South Sydney for three seasons and says he always focuses on player safety for both his team and the opposition.
"I'm sure he will get that protection," Reynolds said. "Being coached by Wayne, he never likes players getting hurt or injured and he talks about trying to prevent people being put in those situations. Wayne is always caring about his team and the other. He has a duty of care to make his players play a safe game."
Reynolds says the superstar fullback has been chomping at the bit to return and even wanted to be back playing last week but was overruled by coach Kevin Walters. "Walshy would have played last week if Kevin Walters let him," Reynolds said. "He is a tough kid. He wanted to get on with it. He hates missing games and loves being involved."
Tristan Sailor secures spot on the bench for Dolphins clash
The 21-year-old will replace the impressive Tristan Sailor in the starting side, however, Sailor has secured a spot on the bench. The son of NRL great Wendell Sailor had to wait until round four to get a match but since returning to the side has impressed.
He has taken the bench spot of Corey Oates as the winger has been called up to the starting side in place of Deine Mariner, who has been ruled out for several weeks. And Reynolds is glad to see there is still a spot for Sailor in the 17. "It gives us options throughout the game," Reynolds said.
"We can play Tristan in several positions. There is a chance to get him on the field on an edge or at fullback. He is so versatile he can play anywhere bar front row."
Adam Reynolds has full confidence in replacement Jock Madden
The Broncos skipper will miss at least the next couple of weeks after leaving the field with a hamstring strain just before halftime in Brisbane's round five's 34-32 loss to Melbourne. He will be replaced by Jock Madden against the Dolphins on Friday night and Reynolds believes the young halfback will do a job for the side in his absence.
"Jock is definitely more than ready," Reynolds said. "I love Jock. He is a great kid and he is a learner. He gets the team around the park and does the job well.
RELATED:
Jack Wighton's frosty response as Latrell Mitchell issues apology
Huge news about Jarome Luai amid Nathan Cleary's NRL absence
"If anything, we need to be better around him and support him a bit more. He is fast, takes the line on and has a lot of great attributes to his game. Unfortunately, in the games he has played in we haven't played well as a team. That's not a knock on Jock. He is a fantastic player and he will do his job."
Reynolds says he is targeting a return in round eight against the Wests Tigers but admits he is "touch and go" for that match and it may ultimately be a week later. "I will probably miss the Canberra game and I'm touch and go for the Tigers, but it all depends on how it pulls up," Reynolds said on Tuesday.
"I'm feeling alright. I had a trot today at training. It felt pretty good although it wasn't very fast. It will be a couple of weeks. I will see how it feels in the morning then continue to work with the physios and go from there."
with AAP
