Whiz kid Walsh flips Broncos season on its head
Joel Gould |
Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh has proven to be the talisman to get the Broncos back on track for a tilt at the premiership.
The 23-year-old fullback had two linebreak assists, a try assist and a try in the 26-14 win over Gold Coast on Sunday to add to the creativity he had already produced in the past month.
Walsh has three tries and five try assists in his four games since his return in round 14 from a seven-week absence with a knee injury.
He missed the 22-18 comeback win over Canterbury in round 18 while he was in Queensland camp for the State of Origin decider but the Broncos are undefeated in their last five games.
“Reece is a big part of our team. We have threats across the park,” Broncos captain Adam Reynolds said.
“Walshy is right at the top. He is an X-factor in our team and it’s my job to put him in positions to do that.”
The Broncos were faltering after round 13 in 11th position but are now fifth. With a bye next week and five of their remaining seven games against teams outside the top eight they are a genuine chance of finishing in the top four.
Walsh is far from the only reason behind five straight wins but his confidence, skill, speed and desire have been a major factor.
He is not one to sit back. Minutes before half time against the Titans he exchanged heated words with centre partner Kotoni Staggs when his teammate did not catch a pass.
The duo combined after the break when Walsh set Staggs up for a long surge down the right touchline before supporting him and finishing with a try and a backwards somersault to celebrate.
Reynolds was not concerned in the slightest with Walsh giving Staggs a spray. He said it was a positive sign of his attitude.
“We are trying to be perfect out there,” he said.
“It won’t always go to plan. But we are adults, we talk about it and sure enough they fixed it up and scored a long range try. It’s good to have that feedback on the field.”
AAP
