LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Reece Walsh silenced his critics with a standout performance against the Dolphins, significantly boosting the Broncos' chances for an NRL finals spot. His electric play during the 38-28 comeback victory not only secured a crucial win but also provided the Broncos with bragging rights in the Battle of Brisbane.
Following recent critiques of his performances, Walsh's response was commendable. Brisbane coach Michael Maguire praised him for his work ethic and determination to improve his game. While Walsh has been labelled a 'rocks or diamonds' player-sometimes making critical errors, as seen in a previous heavy defeat to the Storm-he rose to the occasion when the Broncos desperately needed him. With key players Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, and Selwyn Cobbo sidelined due to injuries, Walsh became the spark that reignited the team's push for finals.
The first half was tightly contested, ending at 14-all as Walsh and Kotoni Staggs traded tries with Dolphins' players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jake Averillo. However, the game shifted after halftime when Trai Fuller scored a stunning solo try after returning to NRL and Jeremy Marshall-King added another, giving the Dolphins a significant 28-14 lead with 30 minutes left. At this point, it seemed the Broncos might fall to ninth place on the ladder, jeopardizing their finals aspirations.
A pivotal moment came when Walsh executed an impressive 40-20 kick, turning the tide in favor of Brisbane and giving them vital field position. The Broncos capitalized on this momentum, with Deine Mariner scoring off the subsequent set. They went on to score three more tries in under 15 minutes, completely reversing the game's narrative. Ben Hunt also played a crucial role, stepping in for injured captain Reynolds and contributing significantly by setting up three tries, showcasing the resilience of the Broncos despite the challenges they faced.
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