Brisbane Broncos reportedly have their sights set on bringing NZ Warriors wonderkid Reece Walsh back to Suncorp Stadium, having only let the young fullback leave earlier this year.
Walsh, 19, has been a revelation for the Warriors in 2021, signed as a future replacement for outgoing former captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who's returned to rugby union.
Originally intended to join the club in 2022, Walsh was granted an early release in April, with the teenager quickly making his mark in the Warriors' side.
But according to Brisbane's Courier Mail, plans are already underway by the Broncos to seal Walsh's return to the club after 2022.
Walsh signed with the Warriors on a three-year deal, however the third year of that is believed to be a player option, meaning that the young fullback could walk away from the Kiwi club after just two seasons.
And having been the club that Walsh started with as a junior, the Broncos are understood to be desperate to lure him back to the club, having also lost out on Sydney Roosters rookie halfback Sam Walker.
"We never wanted to lose Reece," Broncos coach Kevin Walters told the Courier Mail.
"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."
After a handful of games, Tuivasa-Sheck relinquished his position as the Warriors' starting fullback in order to allow Walsh time in his preferred No.1 jersey.
Walsh's impressive form for the Warriors even saw him in line for a State of Origin debut with Queensland in June. However, an injury on the eve of the second game of the State of Origin series scuppered Walsh's Queensland debut for the time being.
In his 13 first-grade games played for the Warriors so far in 2021, Walsh has scored nine tries and assisted 10 others.
Coincidentally, Walsh and the Warriors face the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, as the Kiwi side look for a fourth consecutive victory to keep their NRL finals hopes intact.
Join Newshub for live updates of the Warriors v Broncos clash from 6:05pm Sunday.
