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The rising face of NRL, Walsh, drove the Brisbane Broncos to an unexpected title victory on Sunday in Accor Stadium, contributing to engineer one more 10-point rally in one of the great solo championship showings that rendered the Storm ineffective in a close-fought shock result.

Stellar Performance by Reece Walsh

The fullback contributed a barnstorming score, multiple setup passes, key tackles – including one in the dying moments – and a unstoppable swagger on the occasion he climbed to the peak of the league. The Broncos suffered injuries to two key playmakers to knocks in the latter period, but it made no difference, as the fullback and the resolute tackling of his squad secured his franchise’s first premiership in a long wait.

“Incredible, an amazing experience,” Walsh remarked immediately after the final whistle. “Many critics underestimated us this year, but you’re the only ones who trusted us. We appreciate you.”

Key Moments

• the fullback dodged a jamming opponent to pass to Mariner for a try early.
• At the last play, the Broncos No. 1 made a decision by targeting Papenhuyzen and tackled him with a shoulder.
• The team erased a 22-12 lead from the opposition during the initial 40 minutes.

Team Performance

Forward Pat Carrigan commented it was a credit to the whole team. “Traveling, suffering setbacks, it’s known the narratives of the previous rounds, so for the players to step up, how good,” he remarked, adding that Maguire gave them belief in his interval address. “He told us back our D [defence]. Lucky we’ve had similar situations the previous rounds, we knew that if we could execute our plan, we had the ability.”

Other Side Quality

However the standard of their opponents soon became obvious. There was the halfback, who stepped off his right past defenders and for a try to restore the their two-score advantage right before the break. He created another with a grubber, and was a persistent danger, with his boot – to the flyer notably – causing the Broncos regular difficulties.

Memorable Impact

But so outstanding was Walsh’s input, coming from behind again won’t be the main reason the grand final is remembered. Throughout the top-level grand final, the both sides completed a joint 39 of 42 plays in the opening period. However there was one moment that stood out. An rapid Brisbane play in attack attracted Walsh from the rear, and he called for a fast ball from hooker. Using speed and skill, he weaved and dashed his way under the posts, leaving five Melbourne defenders behind him.

“Phenomenal player,” stated teammate Ben Hunt, who made amends a decade after his knock-on in the 2015 grand final.

He kept going. His stunning display continued in the after the break, when he created scores to catch up to the Storm then moved the Brisbane in front. He prevented a certain Tui Kamickamicka try by contacting the player’s grip just as he was placing the ball, and he chased down the opponent again when he got away.

The team, after late rallies against Canberra Raiders and Penrith in the postseason already, this was a scarcely believable third comeback of double digits, cementing their reputation as unyielding titleholders.