No worries for Niu as Walsh eyes Broncos return

Broncos fullback Tesi Niu says he isn’t fazed by the return of Reece Walsh to the club next year as he prepares to get back to full fitness ahead of a possible maiden NRL finals appearance this season.

Niu, who will play his third game back for the Broncos on Sunday after missing three months of the Telstra Premiership with a hamstring injury, will reunite with his old lower grades teammate Walsh in 2023.

However, the incumbent Broncos No.1 is determined to not let Walsh's return be a distraction this year despite it potentially hindering his chances of retaining the fullback spot long-term.

“I’ve come up with the ranks with him and it’s good to see him back, family first, so I’m happy for him,” Niu told pan66.com.

“But right now I’m focused on playing good footy and enjoying this year. The rest will come, whatever happens after that, happens.

"Hopefully we can work our way into the finals. I haven’t played in the finals before and that’s what is driving me.”

Playmaker-turned-fullback Te Maire Martin, who has been linked to the Warriors in recent days, filled in for Niu in the backline while the Tongan international was sidelined with his leg injury.

The Broncos put together a seven-game winning streak with Martin in the role as Niu returns looking to build on the side’s run towards the finals.

“It’s getting better and I’m used to getting back to a routine,” Niu said.

“My body felt a bit sore on the quick turnaround but it’s good to get the break and look forward to the Tigers on Sunday.

“It’s good to come back into a winning team, it makes it easy to come into the team and everyone does their job.

“I’ve come up the ranks with Ezra [Mam] but it’s Adam Reynolds who makes all our jobs easier.

“You’ve just got to worry about running, getting your passes right and tackling. We try and take pressure off him but he does it himself, that’s the type of player he is.

“He’s one of the best to do it and it brings a really good vibe to the club.”

The Broncos can maintain their top four spot with victory over the last-placed Wests Tigers on Sunday.