Departing NZ Warriors fullback Reece Walsh has broken his silence over his controversial return to Brisbane Broncos next season.
This week, the rising star was granted a release from the final year of his contract, after earlier insisting he'd move to New Zealand for the 2023 season.
Warriors chief executive Cam George says the Walsh's about-face came down to a change in his personal circumstances, namely the breakdown of his relationship and desire to remain in Australia to remain close to his young daughter.
Walsh has taken to social media to confirm the NRL's worst-kept secret - that he'd signed a three-year deal to rejoin the Broncos, whom he left last year to link with the Warriors.
"I am excited to announce I will be coming home to the [Brisbane Broncos]," Walsh wrote on Instagram. "I would like to say thank you to the [NZ Warriors] for making this all possible."
The Warriors allowed him to negotiate solely with the Broncos, ensuring he'd be able to return to his native Queensland.
Walsh has been a revelation with the Auckland club, where the opportunity to play regular first-grade rugby league has seen his star soar, earning a call-up to the wider Queensland State of Origin squad.
The Southport-product assures Warriors fans he'll continue to give his all for the team through the rest of his brief tenure with the club.
"The job isn't over though. I'm still a Warrior for the rest of this year and every time I put the jersey on, I'll play like one."
The 13th-placed Warriors are on a bye week and will try to back up last weekend's homecoming win over the Tigers with a second straight victory, when they take on Parramatta Eels next Friday.
