NRL 2023: Brisbane Broncos win 30-14 over North Queensland Cowboys

The Broncos’ hopes of snapping their premiership drought have received a massive boost, with a top-four spot all but locked in after an emotional Reece Walsh led his side to victory.

NRL Round 23 Broncos vs Cowboys. Picture: NRL Imagery.

An emotional Reece Walsh overcame the death of a family member to carve up the Cowboys and all but seal a top-four spot for Brisbane with a sublime 30-14 derby demolition in Townsville on Saturday.

In a finals-style firecracker, the Broncos overcame the late scratching of star skipper Adam Reynolds (groin) as his replacement Jock Madden, Walsh and Pat Carrigan stepped up to shock the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Reece Walsh overcame the death of a family member to all but lock in a top-four spot for the Broncos. Picture: NRL Imagery.

Rookie halfback Madden had a hand in two tries, Carrigan scored one and set up another and Walsh danced like John Travolta to clinch a fifth straight win and confirm the Broncos can win the title this season.

The Broncos were flogged 40-26 at this venue 12 months ago but this time, the eighth-placed Cowboys copped their whack after a second straight loss that leaves them in danger of missing the finals.

Defending like demons, Brisbane were never headed, leading 12-6 at halftime and withstanding a Cowboys barrage in the final 15 minutes before Walsh streaked away seven minutes from time to plunge the dagger.

Upon scoring, Walsh broke down in memory of the passing of his uncle, but amid the tears, the Broncos (16-4) moved to equal first with 36 competition points and are on track for a crucial home semi-final.

Adam Reynolds was initially named but was a late scratching. Picture: NRL Imagery.

HALF THEIR LUCK

In Reynolds’ absence, Broncos halves Madden and Ezra Mam were magnificent.

Mam played 65 minutes with a knee injury and defended heroically, while Madden produced the finest game of his fledgling 20-match career, showing Reynolds-like vision with two superb passes that led to tries.

Madden lost his first two games as a Bronco but it was third-time lucky as the 23-year-old and Mam combined brilliantly to outpoint Cowboys halves Tom Dearden and Chad Townsend.

The win came at a cost, with Herbie Farnworth suffering a lower leg injury. Picture: Getty Images.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

The Cowboys are in trouble. After a superb late-season surge, North Queensland had their chances, but they failed to convert pressure into points and lacked physicality in contact.

Todd Payten’s troops needed to win this game to cement their place in their top eight, but this derby downfall has left the Cowboys (11-10) fighting for their season.

PAT ON THE BACK

Carrigan is a remarkable footballing specimen. He is fast challenging Isaah Yeo and Cameron Murray as the best lock in the code and could be Australia’s No.13 by season’s end.

The Queensland Origin ironman scored for the second consecutive week and he ran a superb line off Madden in the 53rd minute to release Ezra Mam for a 20-6 lead which left the Cowboys in disarray.

Patrick Carrigan has now scored in back-to-back games, and is becoming one of the best locks in the competition. Picture: Getty Images.

BACK ROW DYNAMO

Coach Walters has a welcome selection headache looming. Does he recall busy back-rower Jordan Riki or stick with blockbusting Brendan Piakura?

Riki is due back from injury next week but he won’t be coasting into the No.12 jumper in the wake of Piakura’s powerhouse display against the Cowboys.

In just his ninth NRL game, the 21-year-old amassed 150 metres, five tackle busts and two line breaks to torment the hosts. Piakura is a weapon on the right edge.

WILY WALTERS

Billy Walters has been a maligned signing but he is the no-fuss quiet achiever of Brisbane’s spine.

The son of Broncos coach Kevin has played every game so far this season and he has added a nice creative touch to his game over the past month.

That was evident in the 25th minute when he shot out of dummy half and put a flying Pat Carrigan over from a metre out to give the Broncos a crucial 12-4 lead.

There is a view the Broncos lack the class at hooker to win the title but Walters is proving a reliable support act for Brisbane’s spinal Big Three of Walsh, Reynolds and Mam.