Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has revealed Reece Walsh is almost certain to play against the Dolphins on Friday.

The fullback was back at training for the Broncos on Monday, sporting pink headgear after he missed two matches with a facial fracture.

Early reports suggested Walsh could be out for up to six weeks after his sickening head clash with Taylan May but it appears the Broncos star will be back on deck earlier than expected.

Slater revealed Walsh had told him of his impending return during the Storm’s 34-32 win over the Broncos last week.

“I was talking to Reece at the Melbourne Storm game last Thursday and he said he might be a chance of playing this game,” he said on Wide World of Sports’ The Billy Slater podcast.

“That’s really positive news for the Broncos. If they can get Reece back in and amongst all these injuries that are going on that’ll certainly help them.”

Speaking at Broncos training, centre Kotoni Staggs spoke glowingly of Walsh’s ability to get back on the field.

“He’s done everything right to be back in the team and all his rehab went well and it’s good to have him back out on the park and do what he does best,” he said.

“It’s a big boost for us and hopefully come Friday night we can just do our job.”

Walsh’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Broncos with Adam Reynolds out as well as Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura and Deine Mariner.

Ezra Mam also hobbled off at training on Monday, sending a scare through the Broncos camp before staff told media it was only a cork.

“Ezra will be right. He will get himself ready to go,” Staggs said.