Speculation has been swirling around the fitness of Reece Walsh ahead of the 2025 NRL season but AAP reporter Joel Gould has revealed new coach Michael Maguire has the fullback and his teammates in top shape. At the end of last year, Walsh’s fitness came under question with reports the 22-year-old fullback was struggling in pre-season and was at the back of the pack in drills.

Payne Haas was quick to defend his Broncos teammate having claimed he was as fit as he had seen him ahead of an NRL season. Regardless, speculation continued considering Walsh had just re-signed on a $5 million deal.

The Broncos have been put through a rigorous pre-season training schedule after reports standards had dropped in 2024 with coach Kevin Walters departing as coach having failing to make the top eight. However, reporter Gould – who has been a regular at Broncos training in pre-season – has quelled any fears over Walsh’s fitness. The reporter featured on SEN Radio on Friday and told the station Walsh had caught up to speed with his teammates after a gruelling schedule and is looking good.

“I was actually at a press conference when someone asked about that…I have watched Reece Walsh train at the Broncos – week-in and week-out – and I don’t see any difference. He may have come back not as quick and not as good as some of the other players,” Gould said.