Peter O'Sullivan has set his first priority as Brisbane Broncos new head of recruitment: keep Reece Walsh for life.
The former Newcastle Knights recruitment boss is no stranger to ambitious contract extensions, having been involved in the landmark 10-year, $13 million deal secured by Dylan Brown at Newcastle.
Now The Daily Telegraph has revealed that O'Sullivan will immediately turn his attention towards Walsh, who has potential to become one of the club's defining players for years to come.
The 24-year-old was instrumental in Brisbane's 2025 premiership triumph, establishing himself as one of the NRL's most exciting talents while continuing to develop his game at the highest level.
O'Sullivan first identified Walsh's potential during his time as the New Zealand Warriors' recruitment guru, helping bring the fullback across to New Zealand to make his NRL debut in 2021.
Walsh subsequently returned to Brisbane in 2023, where he has continued to build his reputation and become a central figure in the Broncos' premiership ambitions.
With O'Sullivan now at the Queensland club, the opportunity is there to help ensure Walsh's legacy in Brisbane mirrors that of James Tedesco at the Sydney Roosters, where the fullback has become synonymous with the club.
Walsh's current deal runs through until the end of 2029, meaning there is no immediate threat to his future at Red Hill, although the Broncos could look to begin discussions on an extension well before his existing contract expires.
The Queensland representative is currently earning around $1.1 million per season, but the next broadcast deal is expected to significantly increase the NRL's salary cap from 2028, potentially opening the door for contracts to reach unprecedented levels.
That could raise the prospect of Walsh becoming the competition's first $2 million-per-season player should the Broncos decide to make a significant long-term commitment to their star fullback.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has already made clear his desire to keep Walsh at the club for the foreseeable future, pointing to the fullback's development and leadership potential as key reasons for Brisbane to invest in his future.
“I've been really impressed with Reece in my time here,” Maguire told the media.
“The experiences he's had over the past two years has shaped his development.
“We want ‘Reecey' at the club for a long time and I'd certainly love to keep coaching him for as long as I can.
“It was a different journey for Reece this year because of what he went through (two surgeries on his cheekbone and ankle) but he has matured enormously in my time here.
“Reece still has so much upside, not only as a player, but in that leadership space.
“I love his attitude towards getting better.”
With Walsh still only 24 and entering what should be the prime years of his career, the Broncos have a significant opportunity to build their future around the fullback.
For O'Sullivan, securing Walsh beyond his current contract could become the defining first move of his new recruitment tenure, as Brisbane look to maintain its premiership-winning core and keep one of the NRL's biggest stars in maroon and gold for the long haul.
