Brisbane Broncos sensation Reece Walsh has once again set social media alight, this time with a playful prank about his physical transformation that has drawn the full support of his coach.
Walsh's Photoshop Funnies Spark Online Frenzy
The 23-year-old fullback sent fans into a spin earlier this week after posting a topless photo of himself standing next to a giant black-and-white portrait. The artwork celebrated a hypothetical 2025 grand final victory, but supporters quickly diverted their attention to Walsh's noticeably chiselled midsection.
However, social media detectives soon uncovered a similar photo from just last month, where the athlete's abdominal definition was far less pronounced, revealing the digital enhancement. Undeterred by the debunking, Walsh doubled down as the Broncos returned to pre-season training on Thursday.
"First day back, definitely looking better than I’m feeling," he captioned a new mirror selfie that featured an even more exaggerated six-pack.
Coach Maguire Backs Walsh's Personality
Despite the clearly altered images, Broncos head coach Michael Maguire confirmed that Walsh has reported back to the club in excellent condition. Maguire expressed amusement at his player's online antics, showing his full backing.
"He has a bit of fun," Maguire said of the social media posts. "It’s nice to see his personality and it keeps everyone entertained but he’s in good shape too, which is good. I think he understands he’s got a lot in his game that he can keep getting better at."
Primed for a Monster Season After Glory
Walsh is shaping up for a huge 2025 campaign following a spectacular finish to last season. After facing criticism for inconsistent performances earlier in the year, Walsh found blistering form to help the Broncos end their 19-year premiership drought.
His crowning moment came in the grand final against the Melbourne Storm, where a dominant performance earned him the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal.
Off the field, Walsh is no stranger to headlines. Last year, he posted a bizarre video of himself drinking toilet water in his renovated home. Months prior, he faced club discipline after a video surfaced on his TikTok account showing him playfully punching a mate in the head, which he later removed and apologised for.
As the new pre-season gets underway, it seems Walsh's confidence and playful spirit are fully intact, with the blessing of the man in charge.