Reece Walsh has returned to Broncos training in ‘good nick’ after he was at the centre of pre-season reports concerning his fitness in 2025, while coaching staff will be slightly concerned over Brendan Piakura’s availability for the World Club Challenge. Last year, there was speculation Walsh entered pre-season slightly out of shape in what was coach Michael Maguire’s first gruelling pre-season in charge of the club.
This was despite his teammates rubbishing the rumours. Before his return this week, AI generated photos of Walsh looking buff appeared. This prompted teammate Ezra Mam to play-up to the cameras on Wednesday and gesture to Walsh’s abs during training.
And after his first session, teammate Corey Jensen laughed off the images and claimed Walsh has returned after his stellar international campaign with Australia in solid form. “I’ve seen some of those photos…it would be nice to have a body like that, wouldn’t it,” Jensen joked to reporters. “Nah, he is in really good nick. He had his first session yesterday…he is running around really well and is picking up where he left off last year.”
Reece Walsh (pictured far left) has returned to Broncos training in ‘good nick’ with concerns over Brendan Piakura’s availability for the World Club Challenge after injuring his knee. (Images: Channel 10/Getty Images)
Walsh took his time to get going in the 2025 season with the Broncos struggling to gel with a new look spine. Ben Hunt joined the side, while Maguire made changes to the No.9 role. However, the team timed their run brilliantly and went on an incredible run to defeat the Raiders, Panthers and the Melbourne Storm to take home the NRL premiership.
This year, Maguire will be hoping Walsh can repeat some of his efforts for Australia at Wembley in England next month as the Broncos take on Hull KR. Carrigan also returned to training with Walsh after recovering from finger surgery. The Queensland Origin forward will be available for the showdown.
Reece Walsh (pictured) has returned to Broncos training after a stellar 2025 season.
Broncos face Brendan Piakura injury in training
Broncos fans will be hoping the club can secure the one trophy that has alluded the Penrith Panthers in the last few years when they take on Hull KR in the World Club Challenge. Despite early doubts over how the scheduling of the game would work, both teams agreed to a date with the Broncos to make the trip in February.
However, Maguire and the coaching staff will be monitoring Piakura’s fitness after the second-rower injured his left knee during training. Piakura started in the NRL grand final helping the Broncos defeat the Melbourne Storm.
The Brisbane Broncos will play Hull KR in the World Club Challenge.
The versatile back had found his feet under Maguire in the second-half of the season and was looking to retain his place in the 13 to take on Hull KR. Although he is now a potential doubt to take on the Super League champs after the latest setback.
Teammate Jensen felt Piakura was fine, but didn’t have any further details. “He is getting around okay in the gym,” Jensen said. “Hopefully it’s not too bad and he’ll be back out there training with us soon.”