New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George has hit back at the Brisbane Broncos, after reports emerged that they are hoping to lure Reece Walsh back to the club.
The 19-year-old left Red Hill earlier in the year and signed a long-term deal with the Warriors, and has since become a regular starter under Nathan Brown.
Walsh even pushed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to the wing, before the superstar left the Warriors and returned home to New Zealand in pursuit of rugby union glory.
Reports surfaced ealier this week from The Courier Mail that Brisbane were hoping to get Walsh back to the club when his current deal with the Warriors ends.
Kevin Walters was even quoted as saying the club 'never wanted to lose him' and opened the door for a potential reunion.
“We never wanted to lose Reece,” he said.
“We are a Queensland-based club and I had high hopes for Reece to play for the Broncos.
“I wished Reece all the best at the Warriors. He has been playing some good footy for them, which I expected him to do, but he’s only young.
“I’m not sure what will happen down the track, but Reece is always welcome back here, certainly.”
Walsh has been a shining light in a tough year for the Warriors, scoring nine tries and producing 13 try assists in just 13 games to date, and is considered a front-runner for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.
And if you think the Warriors are going to let him walk at the end of 2023, think again.
Speaking on SENZ Mornings on Thursday, George berated Brisbane for letting him go and believes they are 'carrying on' ahead of the two teams facing off in round 23.
“It’s just ironic that we’re playing the Broncos this week and the Brisbane media are throwing up that they’re looking at him and carrying on,” he said.
“Good luck to them, they should have never let him go in the first place. We’ve put a lot of work in with Reece, he’s on contract with us for a couple years
“We showed great Reece a great deal of faith when quite frankly, the Broncos didn’t.
“On that basis, Reece is enjoying his time and he’s been given great opportunities at our club and he’s a terrific little footy player.
“Naturally, when they become free on the market it becomes quite competitive, but we’ve done a lot of great things with Reece and he’s enjoying his time.
“We’re looking forward to having him around for a while.”
Walsh is signed until at least the end of 2023, but has an option in his favour for 2024.
Walters was again quizzed on the issue on SEN's Breakfast With Vossy on Thursday, leaving the door ajar for Walsh or any other young player to come to Brisbane in the future.
“We’re certainly hoping with our roster, we’re always looking to change and re-shape it," he said.
"Walshy was in our arms here at the Broncos from a very young age, and unfortunately we lost him earlier this year.
"A lot of these guys that leave the club, particularly the younger ones, are always welcome to come back.
"We’ll never say no to Reece Walsh, that’s for sure."
Brisbane and New Zealand will face off on Sunday afternoon, as the latter look to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
