EXCLUSIVE: Concussion Specialist Questions Broncos and NRL Over ‘Incredible’ Reece Walsh Incident, With Wally Lewis Adding His Voice

A concussion specialist has lambasted the Broncos’ response to the viral Reece Walsh punching video, asserting that the NRL needs to take greater action to educate the public on the risks associated with head injuries and criticising the league for its silence on what he describes as an “incomprehensible” incident.

Dr Alan Pearce, a neurophysiologist based in Melbourne with expertise in concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), voiced concerns that young fans who look up to Walsh might replicate his behaviour.

Rugby league icon Wally Lewis, who received a diagnosis of CTE in 2023 and has since urged the Australian government to allocate more funds towards research and support services, has also weighed in, labelling the incident as “highly unusual” and denouncing the message it conveys to children.

Walsh sparked a flurry of reactions on social media on Tuesday night when he shared a now-deleted TikTok video of himself punching another man while wearing a boxing glove.

Following the outrage from fans and the Broncos, Walsh took to Instagram to clarify: “It was a joke with me [sic] best mate”.

Pearce, who published a study in 2018 regarding the long-term effects of concussions on rugby league players, expressed his disappointment at Walsh’s apparent lack of awareness.

“I was extremely disheartened, particularly considering that last year Reece Walsh was part of that significant knockout incident during Origin,” Pearce remarked to Wide World of Sports, referring to the moment when Joseph Suaalii was shown the red card early in the first game.

“Having experienced a concussion myself, I find it utterly incomprehensible that he would resort to punching someone in the head, even in a joking manner. Young men often do foolish things, but given his past experiences with concussions, how he could even contemplate doing that for a laugh is beyond me.

“This indicates that there remains a significant lack of awareness within the current playing cohort, whether that applies to him specifically or the broader group.

“We must do more to educate people regarding what constitutes a brain injury and a concussion. I dislike the term ‘head knock’, as it undermines the gravity of the issue. The NRL should enhance player education so that they recognise that behaviours, even when intended as jokes, can have serious consequences.”

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In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the Broncos confirmed that club management had met with Walsh to discuss the situation and that the fullback had “apologised for his lapse in judgement”.

Surprisingly to Pearce, the statement failed to acknowledge the risks of head injuries.

“Why didn’t they state, ‘We do not condone any activities that could expose our players to brain injuries’?” Pearce questioned.

“This might stem from ignorance. It highlights the need for ongoing discussion and education within the sporting community because they appear to be more oblivious to this matter than we would hope.

“The Broncos had a prime opportunity to raise awareness about brain injury risks, yet another sporting body has chosen to turn a blind eye.”

The Broncos’ statement added that Walsh has offered to contribute to the Black Dog Institute, a mental health charity that the club will support next month by wearing black jerseys, shorts, and socks during a match against the Titans at Suncorp Stadium.

Pearce acknowledged Walsh’s intention to donate to the Black Dog Institute but suggested he should also consider supporting a concussion fund, “especially in light of his engagement in an activity that can lead to brain damage”.

Pearce is a co-founder and non-executive director of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

Wide World of Sports reached out to the Broncos for further comment.

WWOS also contacted the NRL to address Pearce’s critique regarding the league’s lack of response to the Walsh incident.

“The silence could be interpreted as tacit approval for his behaviour, and they ought to make a statement condemning such hazardous activities off the field,” he said.

“It’s imperative they demonstrate a stance against this, as inaction may be seen as endorsement.

“When a player engages in reckless driving or other irresponsible behaviour, they act swiftly.”

Prior to the Broncos’ 2023 grand final showdown against the Panthers, ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys infamously described Walsh on Nine’s Today as “the Justin Bieber of rugby league” and mentioned, “we want to promote him in the [United] States”.

“Reece Walsh is a marketable player’s dream for the promotion of the game,” V’landys stated last year, according to News Corp.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player as popular as Reece,” he remarked.

Pearce acknowledges Walsh’s influence, noting that at 22 years old and with 528,000 Instagram followers, he holds the most extensive following among NRL players.

“These high-profile players are role models for youth, and if they witness their idols engaging in such behaviour, they are likely to imitate it,” Pearce warned.

“It’s crucial they regard themselves as role models, rather than simply indulging in banter with friends. As professional athletes, there is an inherent responsibility.”

Lewis is among a growing number of former rugby league players grappling with the severe repercussions of probable CTE, alongside Mario Fenech, Steve Mortimer, Mark Carroll, Robbie O’Davis, and Trevor Crow, to name just a few.

“We all have moments in our careers we wish we could erase,” Lewis remarked to WWOS.

“This incident will probably be one of those for Reece — a moment he might label as ‘not the brightest move’, and likely see it as one of the low points in what has otherwise been a career of many highlights.”

“It’s certainly not a positive message for younger fans, and that’s where the focus needs to be right now. Poor public relations for young aspiring players is not how we wish to present rugby league.”

Nonetheless, Lewis provided a counterpoint.

“He is still a young man,” reflected the inaugural Broncos captain.

“Many older players tend to forget how they acted as youngsters. There are numerous instances of us engaging in reckless behaviour during our careers.”