Reece Walsh’s 2024 NRL season could be over, as the Brisbane Broncos announced that he needs surgery for a fractured hand. The young fullback sustained the injury during the Broncos’ recent victory over the Cowboys. Despite the painful fracture, Walsh managed to play through most of the second half, contributing to the team’s crucial win that kept their season alive.
On Thursday, after consulting a specialist, the Broncos confirmed that Walsh would undergo surgery, though they did not specify a timeline for his return. Injury expert Brien Seeney, known as ‘NRL Physio,’ suggested that while surgery could potentially expedite Walsh’s recovery by stabilizing the fracture, the typical recovery period for such an injury is around three to four weeks.
The Broncos have a bye this weekend, followed by regular season games against the Eels, Dolphins, and Storm. Currently, Kevin Walters’ team is four points outside the top eight heading into Round 24. If they are no longer in serious contention for the finals by the time Walsh is ready to return, it is unlikely they will take the risk of playing him.
Seeney emphasized that the usual recovery time can often be disregarded when a team is in desperate need to make the finals. However, given the precarious position the Broncos are in, there is a significant chance that Walsh’s season could already be over.
Some players who have suffered similar injuries this season have returned relatively quickly. For instance, Titans five-eighth Jayden Campbell missed just two weeks after a hand fracture. On the other hand, Bulldogs prop Max King has been sidelined for five weeks with a similar injury.
If Walsh does not return this season, it would mark a disappointing end to a difficult year. After a breakout season in 2023, the 22-year-old has struggled to stay on the field in 2024. Earlier in the season, Walsh sustained a facial fracture in Round 3 against the Panthers, which kept him out for two weeks. He also suffered a knockout just eight minutes into State of Origin 1 and didn’t play again until Origin 2 three weeks later. His return was met with further disappointment as New South Wales claimed the series by winning the second and third games.
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