By Marco Monteverde

Copyright news

Walsh was part of the Brisbane team that led Penrith 24-8 with less than 20 minutes remaining of the grand final two years ago only to lose 26-24.

The Panthers’ comeback was completed by a try from Nathan Cleary, with Walsh among the Broncos players who missed tackles on Penrith’s halfback on his way to the tryline.

“It’s always tough losing a game when you’re a part of that play – it definitely haunts on you for some time,” the Brisbane fullback said.

“(But) I’ve moved past that moment. I’m just trying to be really present in what we’re doing now, and I’m just really grateful to be in this position, and I’m looking forward to a good week.

“It’s what you play for, really. You go through those tough pre-seasons, you work your butt off to get to a grand final, and it’s extremely hard to get here.

“That’s something that I probably took for granted last time around, not soaking up the week enough, probably not preparing my best.

“I’m just really grateful to be back in this arena, and I definitely know how hard it is.

“There’s a lot of talk around the ‘Broncs’ that we’re show ponies and we don’t want to work hard, but it’s not until you’re in these four walls that you see how hard we work and how much sacrifice we make for each other and for this club because we all do genuinely care and we all want to do well.”

Walsh also praised his support network that continued to help him grow on and off the field.

“I feel like for myself to grow, I’ve got to recognise where I need to get better and I’ve got a lot of amazing people in and out of the club that are willing to give me a lot of good advice,” he said.

“I’d be silly not to try to have a conversation and reach out and ask questions where I can get better.”

Among those helping Walsh is renowned sports psychologist Jacqui Lauder, who has also worked with Storm star Cameron Munster.

Walsh said he had a “really good conversation” with Lauder after Brisbane’s 29-28 qualifying final extra-time win over Canberra at GIO Stadium, where he was sin-binned before returning to the field to orchestrate a remarkable comeback for the Broncos, who trailed 28-12.

“They were trying to niggle me and get into my head, and I probably took the bait there a little bit,” he said.

“I was just lucky enough, we came away with the win, so she’s someone that I talk to a lot, that helps with the mental side, and some little tips where I can be better in those moments.

“I’m really grateful for what she does. She clears my mind, and she helps a lot with my mindset if I’m feeling a certain way or how to approach certain things if I’m feeling down or I’m feeling not quite my best.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh ready to atone for grand final agony of two years ago