LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Cooper Cronk has cautioned the Broncos' coach, Michael Maguire, about the potential pitfalls of restricting Reece Walsh's high-risk playing style. Given injuries to Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, Cronk believes this strategy could be crucial for their success. Both Reynolds and Mam faced hamstring injuries during a recent loss to Melbourne, with Mam uncertain for the remainder of the season.
While Reynolds may return for the finals, Billy Walters and Ben Hunt will temporarily fill in at halfback. Consequently, fullback Walsh will be given greater responsibility in the attack, a move that could be pivotal for the team's season.
Walsh's performance has been inconsistent this year, often overextending himself and committing mistakes while seeking to create big moments. Many critics suggest he should moderate his approach. However, Cronk believes that embracing Walsh's exciting style could be beneficial for Maguire's team as they aim to overcome the Dolphins in this weekend's Brisbane derby.
"He is the key," Cronk stated on Fox League. "I'm looking forward to seeing how Reece Walsh goes this week. There is a narrative that says he has to tone down his performances, but that was when everyone was fit and in the team.
"It's like, 'OK Reece, you have been trying to get your best football. This team needs you to get it right, right now, so go for it and go out there and play like you are the dominant player.
"Because if he starts missing the mark and goes completely 'AWOL', the Broncos are no chance. But I feel like if Reece catches fire for a month, you are thinking, yes the Broncos have something."