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Whiz kid Walsh exits Brisbane for Warriors

3 minute read

Teenage fullback Reece Walsh will be given the chance to train under Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the Warriors after being granted an NRL release from Brisbane.

ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK.
ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

(Adds final two pars on Te'o)

Reece Walsh will join the Warriors early with the teenage fullback given the chance to spend the NRL season training under Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

The heir apparent to Tuivasa-Sheck's No.1 jersey for next year, Walsh was finally released by Brisbane on Saturday and allowed to join the Warriors early.

The early move comes as a double bonus for the Warriors after they signed Walsh for next season last month.

With Chanel Haris-Tavita out long-term, they are down a playmaker and will likely be able to lean on the incoming 18-year-old as their back up.

He will also have the chance to work beside Tuivasa-Sheck, before the former Dally M Medallist leaves for rugby union at the end of the year.

"That was always our hope and it was what Reece desperately wanted to do as well once he'd signed with us," recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said.

"It's a great outcome because it allows him to spend invaluable time with Roger (Tuivasa-Sheck) in his final season with us.

"Reece is really looking forward to working with Roger and learning all he can from one of the greatest fullbacks the game has ever seen.

"Roger in turn can't wait to train alongside Reece and mentor him."

The Warriors managed to get the deal across without offering up a player in return, after Paul Turner was initially thought to be headed to the Broncos.

Coach Nathan Brown's decision not to release him had originally held up Walsh's move, and placed any early release in jeopardy.

However, the Broncos ultimately agreed not to pursue a player swap, instead keeping a spot free on their roster.

Meanwhile, Ben Te'o's future remains in doubt at Brisbane with second-rower out for up to 12 weeks after scans confirmed he needed surgery on ruptured bicep.

The 34-year-old is off contract at the end of this year and will now only be available for the final two months of the NRL season at best.

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