Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters has urged Reece Walsh to be “sensitive” to the modern environment and think before posting on social media, after he landed in hot water over vision of him punching a friend. The Broncos finalised an ‘investigation’ into the video on Thursday, which showed Walsh punching a friend in the head at a social gathering while wearing a boxing glove.
The Broncos were left fuming that Walsh had chosen to post the video on social media, before he later deleted it. The 22-year-old has been sidelined for a month with a knee injury, which has coincided with his club’s form slump of five losses in six games
Walsh met with Broncos management on Wednesday to explain himself, and was ordered to apologise and make a donation to mental health charity the Black Dog Institute. “We don’t support violence and stuff like that,” Walsh said. “But obviously it’s not a good look for myself and that was all, trying to have a laugh and a good time with friends
Kevin Walters responds amid Reece Walsh controversy
Discussing the issue on Triple M radio on Thursday, Walsh’s former coach Walters said the 22-year-old needed to be aware that anything posted on social media has the potential to cause backlash. “Just be more sensitive to the environment you’re in,” said Walters, who was sacked by the Broncos at the end of last year
There’s cameras everywhere these days. Put your camera away Reece, particularly with the situation the Broncos are in at the moment (not winning). Everywhere they turn there’s trouble
Jason Demetriou’s pointed message to Reece Walsh
Walsh has a staggering amount of followers on social media, and has become one of the most marketable players in NRL history. Last weekend he launched his own YouTube channel just hours before the Broncos’ loss to the Dragons at home.
But former South Sydney coach and Broncos assistant Jason Demetriou said none of it would exist if it wasn’t for rugby league and everything it’s given Walsh. “There’s be no TikTok account, no YouTube channel, no half a million followers without the Brisbane Broncos and without rugby league,” Demetriou said
Have a little bit of understanding of what comes with that. I’m a huge admirer of Reece Walsh – not only as a young man and a young father – but read the room mate. You’re in the position you’re in because of what the game has given you, and be a bit more careful when you’re posting things. And I’m sure he will be
Walsh endured a frustrating start to the season form-wise, and then copped the injury setback in Round 7. He’s expected to be back in Round 13 after the Broncos’ bye this weekend.
The 22-year-old will be hoping he can spark some life into the struggling Broncos, while also pushing his case for State of Origin selection. Billy Slater was forced to go with Kalyn Ponga at fullback in the Maroons’ team for Origin 1, despite some poor form of his own for the Newcastle Knights.
