FORMER WARRIORS COACH EXPECTS WALSH TO MAKE STORM MOVE DESPITE REPORTS

Despite reports that Reece Walsh wouldn’t be given a release, former Warriors coach Tony Kemp isn’t certain he’ll stay with the team for the rest of the season.

As Melbourne looks for a Ryan Papenhuyzen replacement, Walsh, 20, has a contract with the Broncos through 2023 but has been linked to a move to the Storm for the remainder of this season.

Walsh reportedly asked the Warriors to reject a request from the Storm to release him last week, but Kemp doesn’t think that will put an end to the pursuit after the fullback played only 14 minutes in the Storm’s defeat to Canberra on Saturday.

Kemp stated on SENZ Breakfast, “Losing Ryan Papenhuyzen is a massive, massive loss, and I don’t think the Reece Walsh deal is done at the Warriors.”

By the end of the year, Reece Walsh might see himself wearing a Melbourne jersey.

“I think Reece Walsh is finished (with the Warriors), especially after the weekend.”

Kemp thinks Walsh’s benching is the result of his refusal to play for interim coach Stacey Jones, and that a possible Melbourne transfer might be best for the young player’s career.

Tony Kemp remarked, “I feel he’s going to go somewhere and pull his head in.”

“Due to the way he’s acting and his refusal to follow the rules or structure that “Stace” (Stacey Jones) wants, he’s put himself on the Warriors bench.

“I believe Melbourne is likely the best location for him, as it will allow him to be around guys who won’t tolerate his cockiness.

“I don’t think they’ll let it go,” the speaker said. “I know we’ve read in the papers that the Warriors don’t want to let him go, but I don’t think it’s finished yet. I think he could still be gone.”

Since August 1 is the deadline for clubs to lock in their playing squads for the remainder of the season, if Walsh were to leave the Warriors, it would have to happen before next Monday.