In the lead‑up to Brisbane’s highly anticipated showdown with Penrith, Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has issued a cautionary note to Reece Walsh, warning that the gifted fullback may be overextending himself with risky plays.
Lockyer’s assessment, describing some of Walsh’s tendencies as “concerning,” could prove a crucial bit of guidance as Brisbane eyes a finals push.
“Simplify your game” — Lockyer’s blunt message
Lockyer’s critique comes amid growing scrutiny over Walsh’s decision‑making under pressure. In a recent interview, he urged the 21‑year‑old to pare back some of the flair and return to fundamentals: “Simplify your game,” he said, adding that Walsh needs to adopt a “run first” mindset rather than always hunting for the spectacular pass.
He also highlighted positional discipline and defensive awareness as areas for improvement, pointing to players like Dylan Edwards as role models for how fullbacks can manage risk while still influencing the game.
Lockyer’s broader frustration is also directed at the Broncos’ overall identity. He echoed criticism that the team’s style appears to shift week to week, making it hard for opponents — and perhaps even teammates — to anticipate what Brisbane will do next.
Why the warning matters — Penrith poses the test Penrith have long been masters of shutting down dynamic backs and containing X‑factor players. As Walsh prepares to face arguably the toughest opponent of the season, Lockyer’s reminder to stick to structure rather than improvisation takes on greater weight.
Past matches have shown that when Walsh strays outside his role — either through risky offloads, leaving his spot defensively, or overcommitting to flashy moves — he becomes vulnerable to being shut down or exposed in defence.
Adding to the pressure is the knowledge that Penrith’s defensive systems often force errors from playmakers operating outside structure. To beat them, Brisbane will need Walsh to combine his natural creativity with discipline and restraint.
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