Walsh likely to stay as an impact player
For the short term at least, Reece Walsh looks likely to remain on the interchange bench for the Warriors.
Walsh, 18, has eclipsed most people’s expectations on how quickly he has adapted to playing in the NRL, but the conundrum Warriors coach Nathan Brown continues to face until Roger Tuivasa-Sheck departs is how to fit him into the team.
After making his debut against the Storm at fullback, he went to five-eighth for his second game, against the Cowboys. Last weekend he began the clash with the Sea Eagles on the bench, before coming into the halves in the second half, with Kodi Nikorima switching to hooker.
After the 38-32 loss at Lottoland, Brown admitted he’s not sure he used Walsh in the right way. However yesterday he suggested Walsh will be on the bench again against the Eels on Sunday.
‘‘I’m trying to work out how we use Reece and how he’s best suited, for not only our team now, but also his development, that’s something we’re learning about,’’ Brown said.
‘‘Having him on the bench for different occasions is something that’s a good thing for us in the shorter term.
‘‘What we do and how we move people, I’ve got to have a good look at, because I don’t want to make it too disruptive for the team.’’
Brown suggested he should have it worked out in a couple of weeks’ time what the best lineup for the spine is. But former Warrior Adam Blair said on Sky TV last weekend that his preference would be to have Chanel Harris-Tavita and Walsh in the halves, move Nikorima to hooker and leave Wayde Egan out of the 13.
Nikorima has played plenty of footy at hooker, but he’s made no secret of the fact he doesn’t want to play there any more.
Brown has previously said Nikorima is now benefiting from staying in the halves each week, so he risks mucking that up by switching him back to No 9.
‘‘The stability of Kodi playing in the same position for a period of time has no doubt helped his game in the halves,’’ Brown said.
‘‘But the fine line between having Reece playing and getting that right for the balance of the team is another thing for us as a staff to look at.’’