NRL trials 2023: Reece Walsh stars as Broncos and Titans play out pre-season draw
The Broncos’ Ferrari is already purring into top gear with Reece Walsh exploding out of the Red Hill showroom to star in Brisbane’s first pre-season hit-out.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Broncos’ Ferrari is already purring into top gear. Brisbane’s key $1.3 million recruit Reece Walsh exploded out of the Red Hill showroom to star for the Broncos in their 24-all pre-season draw with the Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Returning home after a two-year stint at the Warriors, Walsh made an instant impact in the No.1 jumper, producing a man-of-the-match performance to launch his Broncos career in style.
Fielding 11 top-liners, the Broncos bolted to a 24-6 half-time lead thanks to a Jordan Pereira double before the Titans produced a gutsy second-half fightback to share the spoils in a spirited derby trial.
LIKES
REECE LIGHTNING
What a talent. What a start. The Broncos are banking on Walsh to be their backfield X-factor and he didn’t disappoint, needing just six minutes to lay down a seasonal marker when he sliced through to give Brisbane a 6-0 lead.
The flying fullback was a constant menace to the Titans. Walsh charged for 105 metres, amassed six tackle busts and two line breaks and even blasted a 40-20 before a minor head knock in the 54th minute convinced coach Kevin Walters to rest his main man.
If Walsh continues this vein of form, the Broncos are genuine finals contenders.
“It was a good hitout for Reece,” Walters said. “He has great speed across the ground and good vision with his attack. He has been a good addition to us and we saw glimpses of that.”
BRONCO POWER
Brisbane’s depth is impressive.
While Walsh and stand-in skipper Payne Haas (106m) were strong, the likes of two-try winger Pereira, Tristan Sailor, classy threequarter Deine Mariner and front-row import Martin Taupau will ensure competition for spots.
Key trio Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth came through unscathed and were called off by halftime.
“Marty brought some energy in the middle with his running and offloads,” Walters said. “For someone who hasn’t been at the club very long, I was very impressed with his first game in Broncos colours.”
MAM O MAN
Rookie Bronco Ezra Mam was exposed in defence last season but the silky-skilled pivot muscled up without the ball in his first hitout of the 2023 campaign.
Mam has added 6kg in pre-season and his greater physicality was evident.
Challenged by Walters to improve his defence, Mam responded, highlighted by two crunching hits on Titans wrecking ball David Fifita in the opening quarter.
BUSY BOYD
Toby Sexton or Tanah Boyd for the Titans’ No.7 jumper? On this evidence, Boyd landed the first telling blow in the battle to be Kieran Foran’s halves partner for Gold Coast’s premiership opener.
The livewire utility showed some nice touches at halfback, setting up the Titans’ opening try with a well-placed cross kick for Jojo Fifita in the 16th minute.
Boyd has a nice synergy with David Fifita on Gold Coast’s right edge. With his speed, kicking and precision passing game, the former Bronco shapes as a handy foil for Titans’ senior playmaker Foran.
DISLIKES
FRUSTRATING FIFITA
David Fifita is the NRL’s great enigma.
The Titans hulk has the talent to be the code’s best back-rower but once again, Fifita failed to flex his muscle and was largely well-contained by his former Brisbane teammates.
Off-contract this year, Fifita tried to get himself into the game but Titans coach Justin Holbrook needs to devise a game plan to bring out his brilliance.
DUMMY-HALF DILEMMA
There is no clear standout for the Broncos No.9 jumper.
Cory Paix started at nine but he threw a forward pass early and didn’t quite assert the authority coach Walters is craving from a first-choice hooker.
Paix has the inside running to start at hooker in round one but Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy are applying pressure.
Storm ‘grubbery’ finally comes back to bite
The Melbourne Storm are licking their wounds after another tough grand final loss, but they only have themselves to blame for falling short.
Cleary comment that provoked Panthers towards another title
Ivan Cleary revealed he questioned the desire of his ‘complacent’ Panthers during the season, a moment that stung the players and ultimately sparked their run towards a fourth-straight premiership.