The Brisbane Broncos have officially begun their premiership defense at Red Hill, and if the early signs are any indication, Reece Walsh is hungry for more. Despite reaching the pinnacle of the sport last year, the superstar fullback has returned to pre-season training in what head coach Michael Maguire describes as “outstanding shape,” signaling a warning shot to the rest of the NRL for the 2026 season.
Walsh is coming off a career-defining 2025 campaign that saw him lead Brisbane to their first premiership in nearly two decades. His performance in the Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm—a display widely cited as one of the greatest individual efforts in a decider—earned him the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal. While some athletes might suffer a “premiership hangover,” Walsh appears to have used the off-season to elevate his physical condition even further.
Personality Meets Professionalism
The 23-year-old recently sent social media into a frenzy with a “Ripped Reece” post, showcasing a lean and powerful physique. While the internet focused on the aesthetics, Maguire was quick to highlight the substance behind the style.
“He’s got a bit of fun about him,” Maguire told the Daily Telegraph. “It’s nice to see his personality and it keeps everyone entertained, but he’s in good shape too, which is good.”
For Maguire, the combination of Walsh’s infectious charisma and his professional dedication is the engine driving the Broncos’ culture. After a 2025 season that was initially hampered by injury, Walsh’s current fitness level suggests a much smoother and more dangerous lead-up to the new year.
The Quest for Improvement
Perhaps most frightening for Brisbane’s rivals is Maguire’s insistence that the Clive Churchill Medalist has not yet reached his ceiling. The Broncos coach emphasized that Walsh remains humble and acutely aware of the areas in his game that require refinement.
“I think he understands he’s got a lot in his game that he can keep getting better at,” Maguire noted. This focus on constant evolution is a hallmark of the Maguire era at Red Hill, ensuring that the team doesn’t rest on the laurels of their historic 19-year drought-breaking victory.
Defending the Crown
As the Broncos prepare to defend their title, the focus remains on consistency. Walsh’s explosion during the 2025 finals series proved he is a big-game player, but a full season of “Ripped Reece” at peak fitness could see the fullback reach heights rarely seen in the modern era. With the superstar back on the park and firing, the Brisbane faithful have every reason to believe that 2026 could be just as golden as the year that preceded it.