'Hit me like a brick wall': Star's grand final admission

September 25, 2023 admin Uncategorized 0

In his debut season with the Broncos, fullback Reece Walsh will run out for his first NRL grand final on Saturday night.

Walsh played an integral role in the Broncos' 42-12 preliminary final victory over his old club, the Warriors, at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

"The boys try to get me in good spots to get me the ball. To be honest, I just play what I see and feel. That's what I did on the weekend," Walsh told Nine's Today of the match.

READ MORE: Gal: Grand final axe must fall over this 'howler'

READ MORE: Wallabies' World Cup nightmare hits rock bottom

READ MORE: 'Beyond outrageous' marathon world record stuns

Reece Walsh of the Broncos celebrates after a Broncos try during the NRL Preliminary Final match between Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

"I was obviously a bit nervous going up against some of my good mates, but I'm happy we got the bragging rights."

At different points throughout the season, Walsh has been on the receiving end of heavy criticism around his fiery on-field behaviour and brash game-style.

But the 21-year-old has responded to his critics by working hard on himself and his footy.

"There's always going to be people out in the world that say stuff about you and give their opinion, which they're allowed to do," he said.

"I know for myself, I have really good family and friends around me that keep me grounded and give me the right advice. I'm lucky enough to work really hard and have good people around me."

Watch the 2023 NRL grand final exclusively live and free on 9Now

Reece Walsh of the Broncos celebrates with his daughter Leila after winning the NRL Preliminary Final match between Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Walsh admitted it was a "surreal" feeling to be lining up in Sunday's premiership decider against the Panthers.

"To be honest it probably hasn't sunk in for myself. I feel like, once today gets by, it will probably hit me like a brick wall," he said.

To curb any nerves in the leadup, Walsh said he would be surrounding himself with those closest to him, including his daughter Leila.

"Getting around my family and just trying to be with them as much as I can. Obviously, be with my little one and spend as much time with her as I can," Walsh said.

"She keeps me pretty calm which is good."

To defeat the Panthers and bring home the Broncos' seventh premiership trophy, Walsh believes it is as easy as sticking to the team's strategy.

"It's a really big game. The bigger the game the simpler the game plan and your job," he said.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a good challenge and we're going to be right up for it."

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply