LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Brisbane Broncos are poised to secure the fourth spot on the ladder with a victory against the Melbourne Storm next weekend, following a high-scoring triumph over the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.
In recent weeks, despite the absence of regular halfbacks Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam, the Broncos have achieved consecutive wins against the Dolphins, Newcastle Knights, and now the Cowboys, showcasing a potent offense that hasn't faltered.
Coach Maguire is optimistic about Reynolds' return for the first week of the finals; he was included in the reserves but had to withdraw due to a minor hamstring issue incurred during training.
Against the Cowboys, Ben Hunt and Billy Walters continued to guide the team effectively, while Reece Walsh and Payne Haas delivered standout performances throughout the match.
Walsh has been on an impressive run lately, with his game appearing to elevate in response to the absence of Reynolds and Mam simultaneously. This newfound form has made him a key player for the Broncos.
In the post-match press conference, Maguire credited Walsh's improvement to the collective effort of the team, as well as acknowledging Walsh's increased maturity in his game. "I think 'Reecey' especially, over the last couple of months, his maturity around his game has changed from when I first started," Maguire stated.