Walsh to be sidelined for over a month after requiring surgery on fractured cheekbone

Brisbane will be without superstar fullback Reece Walsh for more than a month now that the livewire No.1 requires surgery on a fractured cheekbone that he injured during Brisbane’s 26–12 win over the Titans on Easter Saturday.

Walsh was concussed and hospitalised in his 100th game after attempting a tackle on Titans forward Kurtis Morrin. He was caught awkwardly and suffered a facial fracture.

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The Broncos originally thought he’d been concussed, before closer assessment saw Walsh had suffered his third facial fracture in as many years.

The Broncos expect his latest setback to keep him out for four to six weeks. Should that return timeline stretch out any longer than early May, Walsh may face missing the opening match in the 2026 State of Origin series, which is slated to start on May 27.

Jesse Arthars is the most likely replacement for Walsh at fullback, after shifting there mid-game. Hayze Perham could be another option, should Michael Maguire decide he wants to keep Arthars on the wing.

“We don’t want to see Walshy go down, but I’ve trained at fullback before, and I’m always prepared,” Arthars said. “I do the best I can at training. If an opportunity comes up, then I’ll do my best for the team

“I’ve been doing heaps of reps at fullback. I train all over the shop.”

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Meanwhile, Magurie spoke very highly of Arthars following his errorless effort against the Titans, especially once he slotted into the No.1 role midway through the game. “They [Arthars and Perham] are both options. I’ll assess the game and work out what we do next.”

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“Jesse was great. He is a good man, the way he has been working away in the background, he’s a first grader,” the Brisbane boss continued. “I was able to put him in there, and he performed really well for the team.”

The Broncos will next play Queensland rivals with Cowboys, without Walsh for the time being.