A peculiar piece of history has surfaced that could cause serious tension between Brisbane Broncos star fullback Reece Walsh and his premiership-winning coach, Michael Maguire. While the two recently celebrated their epic NRL Grand Final victory together—even sharing a celebratory drink from porcelain mini-toilets—a dark cloud hangs over their relationship involving Walsh’s older brother.
🔙 Maguire’s Past with the Walsh Family
Michael Maguire, who made history by becoming only the sixth coach to win titles with two different NRL clubs, appears to have a strong bond with Reece. However, Fox League’s Jake Duke has revealed that Maguire once cut Reece’s older brother, Zac Walsh, while Maguire was coaching the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Zac Walsh is understood to have played for both the Rabbitohs’ and Newcastle’s Under 20s sides during his development. He is now the junior president of the Nerang Roosters footy club on the Gold Coast.
🗣️ The Reason for the Axe
Duke revealed on Fox League’s Ashes AM show that he spoke directly to Zac during the Broncos’ Grand Final celebrations in October. During their conversation, Zac Walsh confirmed the painful reason for his sacking by his younger brother’s current mentor.
Zac disclosed that Maguire chose to cut him from the Rabbitohs due to concerns over his work ethic. This revelation presents Reece Walsh with a potentially very good reason to be upset with his triumphant coach, as a crucial part of his family’s rugby league past involves Maguire ending his brother’s professional aspirations.