LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has confidently stated that Reece Walsh will remain unfazed if the Raiders decide to target him during Sunday's NRL qualifying final. Walsh's performance will be crucial for Brisbane as they face the minor premiers in Canberra, and Raiders captain Joe Tapine has made it clear that his team intends to assert their physical presence.
At a media event for the finals series launch on Monday, Tapine cheekily mentioned his desire to replicate a famous hit he delivered on Walsh two years ago. The Raiders' forward pack has a history of physical play against Walsh, highlighted by Tapine smashing the star fullback late in a 2023 game.
In that instance, Walsh was attempting to run down the clock and was unprepared for a substantial hit, which Tapine executed. The tackle became a topic of debate in the NRL community, with opinions divided on whether it was a dirty move. However, Walsh himself considered it part of the game and took no offense. Tapine remarked on Monday that he would not hesitate to make a similar tackle again.
"It was just a little tackle … I hope I get the same opportunity," the Raiders captain said with a grin. "He's quick and hard to get but for us to win, it's about us playing the game."
Reynolds expressed his belief that Walsh will not be intimidated. "I think we all have a laugh at that (Tapine shot), you've got to love that," the injured Broncos leader noted. "He (Walsh) is certainly tough. It's hard to not be tough and get away with it. He certainly takes the game on. He's not afraid of the collisions and is willing to go to places that many others aren't."
Walsh has been among the top performers in the league over the past month and a half, helping the Broncos win five of their last six games and secure fourth place in the standings. Despite the absence of injured halves Reynolds and Ezra Mam, Michael Maguire's team has achieved four consecutive victories, thanks to standout performances from Ben Hunt and Billy Walters.