The New Zealand Warriors have poached one of the hottest young fullbacks in rugby league from the Brisbane Broncos in a bid to fill the enormous void of rugby-bound superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The Warriors confirmed tonight that they had signed 19-year-old Reece Walsh on a three-year deal, beginning from next season.
Walsh hails from Keebra Park State High School, famous for producing NRL stars like Benji Marshall and Payne Haas.
Warriors coach Nathan Brown said Walsh had the foundation to become a dominant force in the NRL.
"Reece has all the attributes in his game that the really good players have," Brown said.
"His speed and game sense are things that can make a difference in our team.
"We won't be putting pressure on Reece by making big statements about his game, but we will give him all the guidance to make sure his game is ready for the start of 2022.
"We want him to work hard and train hard and he will have a great career in front him."
Interim Broncos chief executive Neil Monaghan said it pained the club to let Walsh go.
"Reece is a talented young player with much potential and we are disappointed to lose him," Monaghan said.
"He is yet to play senior football but we were keen to have him stay.
"However, the offer from the Warriors was too good to refuse for a player of his experience.
"We wish Reece all the best and look forward to him finishing out this year with us."
Tuivasa has signed a two-year contract with Super Rugby club the Auckland Blues, set to begin in 2022.
The former Rooster hopes to play for the All Blacks in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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