SYDNEY, NSW – Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has etched his name into rugby league folklore, capping a sensational season with a masterful performance in the 2025 NRL Grand Final to win the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal for best player on the ground.
In a thrilling and hard-fought contest, Walsh was the undeniable difference-maker, guiding the Broncos to a historic premiership victory. His electrifying speed, dazzling footwork, and newfound composure under pressure were on full display on the sport’s biggest stage.
Walsh’s masterclass included:
- A stunning solo try in the first half, where he sliced through the defensive line from 40 metres out.
- A crucial try assist late in the second half, drawing in two defenders before delivering a perfect pass to seal the game.
- Nerves of steel with the boot, kicking flawlessly to keep scoreboard pressure on the opposition.
Visibly emotional after the final siren, the 23-year-old superstar was mobbed by his teammates before accepting the coveted award.
“I can’t believe it… this is for the boys, for my family, for the city of Brisbane,” a tearful Walsh said during the post-match ceremony. “We’ve worked so hard for this all year. To do it with this group of brothers, it’s a dream come true. I’m speechless.”
The Clive Churchill Medal is the ultimate individual accolade in the NRL, awarded to the player who produces a standout performance in the season’s deciding game. For Walsh, it represents a crowning moment in a career that has already seen incredible highs and intense scrutiny.
His performance silenced any remaining critics and solidified his status as one of the genuine superstars of the game. The win also delivered the Broncos their first premiership in nearly two decades, making Walsh’s achievement even more significant for the success-starved club.