NZ Warriors have shot down an attempt from Melbourne Storm to snatch fullback Reece Walsh, targeted for a mid-season switch.
After losing star No.1 Ryan Papenhuyzen to a shattered kneecap, AAP reports the Storm had made a play to seal Walsh's signature on a short-term deal before the 20-year-old leaves the Warriors for Brisbane Broncos next season.
The Storm would have been able to sign Walsh, provided they did so before the NRL's August 1 deadline for mid-season moves.
Walsh could have played the second-half of the NRL's season with the Storm before moving to the Broncos in 2023, in a move similar to Chad Townsend's switch back to the Warriors from Cronulla Sharks last year, before he joined North Queensland Cowboys this year.
But speaking on Friday, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said the move had been "knocked back" by the Warriors, forcing him to look elsewhere for players.
Aside from losing Papenhuyzen, the Storm are also without George Jennings (knee) and Reimis Smith (pectoral) for the rest of the season, while winger Xavier Coates is expected to be out of action until mid-August with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Walsh will start on the bench for the Warriors in Saturday's clash with Canberra Raiders, as Chanel Harris-Tavita takes over at fullback in the youngster's place.
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