Reece Walsh credits new coach Michael Maguire for key advice that, if applied, should put and end to the "rocks-or-diamonds" quality he has displayed in his short career.
The 22-year-old Brisbane fullback grinned when asked what it was like to be "coached by a guy that put a target on your head in Origin".
Either side of that question Walsh waxed lyrical about the new Broncos coach and why he could take him to another level.
Maguire was at the helm of New South Wales this year when Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii famously took Queensland fullback Walsh out with a high shot in the opening State of Origin match.
Former Broncos coach Kevin Walters and others at the club were of the opinion that it was not an accident.
Walsh answered the question on Maguire and alluded to the fact that the coach understood his strengths and weaknesses better than most after plotting against him.
"I think narrowing the gap between my best game and my worst, that's a big thing that's sticking out in my head," Walsh said.
"Consistency is a big thing I'm chasing. Madge (Maguire) is big on turning up here each day, putting your best foot forward and having a red hot crack, and I think that's something I want to build in my game.
"You look at players like Payne [Haas], where every single game he's turning up and every single training session he's turning up. That's a big thing for me."
Walsh said his discussions with Maguire had not been idle chat. The Broncos finished 12th in 2024 and getting Walsh firing will be vital if they are to finish top four.
"There have been some really good, honest conversations. They are the conversations you want to have to get better," Walsh said.
"It is about me growing as a person and a player.
"I want to be that player that everyone wants to play with. Madge is driving that.
"I have got so much growth in me and that is what is exciting.
"I feel like the position I play … it's time for myself to start taking on more of a leader role.
I've got so much more to learn and it's good having Madge and all the senior boys there I can lean on for advice."
Walsh signed an extension through until the end of 2029 days after Maguire started his tenure.
His extension had been a hot topic for months before he signed.
"It was a long time coming," he said.
"Now it is all done I don't have to think about anything besides working hard and building a really strong culture. I am just happy that it is done now.
"I play rugby league to win and I believe we are building a strong work ethic here. We are pushing each other to be better."
Walsh will not have his close friend and number six Ezra Mam beside him in the early rounds of 2025. Mam was charged with drug driving after a head-on collision in which three people in the other vehicle were injured. The NRL is expected to hand down a lengthy suspension.
"He's obviously got things he's dealing with and has to get through," Walsh said.
"He's an awesome person and we love having him around the club. It's going to be a little bit weird without him for a little bit but I know when he gets back in here he's going to have the mindset to work really hard and get himself back up."
ABC
