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'Every effort': Walsh has Thorn ethos for title defence
Joel Gould, AAP •  March 5th, 2026 7:51 pm
Reece Walsh is not satisfied with his heroics of 2025 and wants to take it up a notch | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Brisbane must have the never satisfied mentality epitomised by four-time premiership winner Brad Thorn if they are to repeat last year's success.
That's the view of two-time Broncos title winner Peter Ryan, who was also defensive coach in the 2006 premiership win.
The Sydney Roosters (2018-2019) and Penrith (2021-2025) are the only teams to go back-to-back since the Brisbane sides of 1992-1993 and 1997-1998.
In '98 the NRL had its inaugural season and the Broncos, who won the Super League in 1997, were determined to double-up.
Ryan, who played in the 1993 and 1997 grand final wins but missed the 1998 decider due to suspension, recalled the mentality the team had.
Brad Thorn was one of the great trainers at the Broncos on the way to winning four titles | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
"It was a conversation I had with Brad Thorn in 1998 that clarified it in my head," Ryan told AAP.
"We were completely professional by that stage which meant that everything you did, whether it be a passing drill or a tackling drill or ruck defence - it gave you the opportunity to work harder in each effort you do.
"Thorny said to me at the time, 'who gets the opportunity to play football for a living? I am going to make the most out of every moment and put in every effort I can make'. That mentality was behind our success that year."
Current fullback Reece Walsh has embraced that modus operandi himself. He's not content with his amazing form at the back end of 2025 that was the key to Brisbane's success.
Reece Walsh is putting in the hard yards during pre-season with the aim of going back-to-back | Photo: Darren England/AAP
The star fullback insisted repeating last year's glory was achievable, with one proviso.
"We've got an amazing roster and just want to try and get better every day. I think if we can do that, we'll be putting ourselves in a good position to do it," Walsh said.
"That's a big point for us. We know we're not going to get everything right all the time, but as long as we keep our standards where they are and don't let them drop, that's important. We will keep each other honest and accountable."
Ryan said Walsh's mentality would be music to the ears of coach Michael Maguire.
"Reece Walsh has got a great attitude," Ryan said.
"Madge (Maguire) knows how good his team can be but he doesn't want them held back by somebody thinking they are bigger than the game.
"They know how hard they worked last year and need to try to step it up another level. I just hope and pray that they do."
What convinced Brad Thorn to commit to the All Blacks | Sport Nation Afternoons
