- Broncos staff do not want players to go on holiday to Bali
- Follows an eventful recent journey for Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam
- Star fullback Walsh, 22, spent time in an Indonesian hospital
Broncos players have been urged by club officials – including chief executive Dave Donaghy – to avoid future holidays to Bali as the playing squad prepares for pre-season in November under new coach Michael Maguire.
It comes after star fullback Reece Walsh spent time in an Indonesian hospital after being dragged over a shallow reef while surfing.
During the same fateful trip with teammate Ezra Mam, the NRL launched an investigation into the high-profile pair following a complaint from an Australian resident.
It followed alleged damage to his mobile phone at a nightclub in Bali after he was reportedly asked to stop filming Walsh.
Mum is said to have paid for a new phone and the NRL has declared the alleged case closed.
Broncos boss Dave Donaghy confirmed he had spoken to Walsh and Mam about the two incidents.
“I strongly encouraged them that the next time they go on vacation, maybe choose a different destination and possibly turn off their phones,” he said. News Corp.
“Those cases are closed from our perspective. It will be an issue we will discuss again in the new year when they return from their break.
Broncos stars such as Reece Walsh (left) have been urged by club officials to avoid future holidays to Bali as the playing squad prepares for pre-season in November under new coach Michael Maguire.
It comes after star fullback Reece Walsh spent time in an Indonesian hospital (pictured) after being dragged over a shallow reef while surfing in Bali
The Broncos’ young players have documented aspects of their trip abroad on social media (pictured)
Broncos boss Dave Donaghy has confirmed he has suggested Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam carefully consider their next holiday destination
‘I [also] believe the matter has been closed (by the NRL).”
Donaghy’s holiday suggestion comes after Queensland State of Origin coach Billy Slater defended Walsh.
“He’s not perfect and sometimes we expect our young stars to be perfect too early,” Slater said on his Channel 9 podcast.
“But he’s only 22 and you have to take yourself back to 22 and say, ‘How many rough edges did I have?’ “He will develop and grow as a person and player.
“We have to be grateful that guys like Reece want to be part of our game.”
It also comes after Walsh was arrested for cocaine possession in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast in 2021.
Following the arrest, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance and brought to court.
The NRL imposed a two-match ban on him and fined him $5000 as part of his punishment. In addition, Walsh was required to undergo drug and alcohol therapy and complete community service.
Meanwhile, at Red Hill on November 1, significant changes are expected under Maguire, who is known for his ruthless approach.
‘Madge’ will be aiming to hit the ground running, well aware that his every move will be heavily scrutinized by the Broncos’ old boys, who hold considerable power at the club, led by players like Gordon Tallis and Shane Webcke.
Maguire has signed a three-year contract, replacing club legend Kevin Walters.