Reece Walsh opens up on life as single dad ahead of Broncos' finals clash

Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has spoken candidly about life as a single father on the eve of his side's qualifying final against the Canberra Raiders, saying fatherhood has reshaped his priorities as the club prepares for a blockbuster at GIO Stadium.

Walsh, 23, told News Corp he welcomed daughter Leila in March 2021 when he was 18, and that being a young parent played a major role in his decision to return to Queensland from the New Zealand Warriors. He said he was grateful for the support of his daughter’s mother, his extended family and the club while juggling the demands of top-level rugby league and parenting.

"It is tough," Walsh said. "My daughter's mother ... she's awesome. She's always supporting. Having my mum and dad around, and my siblings there, they're always willing to help out. It just shows the quality of people I have around me. That's what it comes down to." He added that the adage "it takes a village to raise a child" rang true in his situation.

Walsh said co-parenting with his longtime partner, Freda Puru — from whom he split in 2023 — has allowed him to remain close to his daughter. He said the club accommodated his desire to be nearer to family when he was granted an early release from his New Zealand Warriors contract and returned to the Broncos in 2023.

"There's still times where my mates are out, doing what they're doing. I want to go and join them, but I've got a four-year-old daughter at home that I've got to cook dinner for and put in the bath," Walsh said, adding that the club and his teammates have been "awesome" in supporting him.

Walsh burst onto the NRL scene with the Warriors in 2021 and earned an Origin debut early in his career. Since returning to Brisbane he has been a central figure in the Broncos' resurgence, helping the club secure a spot in the finals. Brisbane travel to Canberra for the qualifying final at GIO Stadium, where they will face the Raiders in a match that carries premiership hopes and momentum for both teams.

The fullback said fatherhood has changed how he views his responsibilities on and off the field. "Not everything is about footy and a job. When I am in the facility I am the footy player, but when I step out and see my little one and my family, I am a dad," he said. "I want to be someone who works hard, someone who brings success and someone who helps bring premierships to this great club at the Broncos. But first of all I've got to be a good person off the field, a caring dad and a good role model."

Coaches and teammates have publicly emphasised the club's support for players managing family responsibilities, and Walsh said that backing has been important to his development as both a player and a parent. He described his daughter as a motivating influence and credited his support network with allowing him to focus on his rugby while remaining actively involved in Leila’s life.

Brisbane coach and club officials have not commented beyond affirming internal support structures for players. The Broncos will face Canberra in the qualifying final, with Walsh expected to play a leading role as the team pursues a deep finals run.