Reece Walsh under-fire for vile referee spray as Broncos downed by Titans in derby disaster

Reece Walsh could come under fire for abusing a referee as the bumbling Broncos produced one of their most insipid performances of the season.

Reece Walsh could come under scrutiny for abusing a referee as a furious Kevin Walters launched his own attack on the Broncos following their shock 18-12 derby collapse against the strife-torn Titans.

The Queensland Origin star was penalised in the dying minutes for firing an alleged expletive at referee Chris Butler, summing up Brisbane’s lack of discipline on a day of derby disaster at Suncorp Stadium.

WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Before 42,249 fans, it was Super Sunday for the Titans, whose interim coach Jim Lenihan engineered one of the greatest upsets in the 35-year history of Gold Coast-Broncos derbies.

Ladder leaders the Broncos were expected to thump the embattled Titans after a week from hell in which coach Justin Holbrook was ruthlessly sacked in favour of Des Hasler.

But a woeful first-half siesta from the Broncos (11-5) planted the seed for a Titanic upset, with the Coast overcoming the pre-game scratching of Origin star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to stun Big Brother Brisbane.

Trailing 6-0 after 29 minutes, the David Fifita-inspired Titans (7-7) went to the break locked at 6-all and produced a spirited second half to stay in touch with the top eight.

Reece Walsh blows up at the referee. Picture: NRL Photos

BIG KEV’S SPRAY

This was Brisbane’s worst performance of the season.

While the Titans were bravehearts, the Broncos were sloppy from the opening minutes. They played too lateral, lacked intent in midfield, their last-play options were erratic and not even Ezra Mam’s gutsy try in the 62nd minute to whittle the deficit to 16-12 could deny the Coast.

Walters tried to fire-up his troops with a half-time spray, but after the Broncos failed to adequately respond in the second stanza, the Broncos coach let rip again.

“I am a bit angry,” Walters snapped.

“I don’t like that team who played today. It’s not who we are.”

Asked about the Broncos signing Dragons skipper Ben Hunt, Walters shot back: “Do you think he would want to come to this club after seeing that?”

“It’s just attitude. We need to fix it. We haven’t earnt the right as a team to put on that type of performance.”

Reece Walsh (right) must stop arguing with referees.

WHINING WALSH

Walsh is a wonderful talent but the Broncos fullback has to stop arguing with referees.

A flashpoint came in the 75th minute when Walsh was penalised by Butler for dissent. The word “c***” was heard on audio. Earlier this season, Josh Reynolds was hit with a contrary conduct charge for saying “bulls***” within earshot of referee Grant Atkins.

Walsh’s petulance gifted Titans halfback Tanah Boyd the penalty goal that buried the Broncos.

“He shows a lot of passion the young fella, but I reckon ‘Kevvie’ (Walters) will be talking to him,” said Test legend Steve Roach on Fox Sports.

“Every referee decision here this afternoon he’s argued with or blown up about.”

FRUSTRATING FLEGLER

There are three certainties in life. Death. Taxes. And Tom Flegler being placed on report.

Walters may have given the Broncos a collective rocket, but he should also give Flegler a personal serve after Brisbane’s enforcer was booked yet again for a high shot on Titans prop Jaimin Jolliffe.

Flegler’s talent is unquestioned. He showed that by charging onto a Pat Carrigan pass to open the scoring in the 19th minute. But he risks becoming a liability if he can’t temper his aggression and control his discipline.

David Fifita and Tanah Boyd celebrate against the Broncos. Picture: Getty

DEMOLITION DAVE

Titans and Queensland Origin wrecking ball Fifita terrorised his former Broncos teammates with a barnstorming display.

The tackle-busting back-rower continued the best campaign of his career, kickstarting the Titans’ fightback.

He ran a superb line to crash over seconds before half-time to level scores at 6-all and four minutes after the break, Fifita pushed off Adam Reynolds to release Brian Kelly for the try that rang Broncos alarm bells.

Fifita finished with a try, 123 metres, 30 tackles, two offloads, one line break, one try assist and five tackle busts in a magnificent all-round display.

Originally published as Reece Walsh under-fire for vile referee spray as Broncos downed by Titans in derby disaster