By Joel Gould
Reece Walsh has hummed like a Ferrari in attack and his talk on the tryline in defence stamped his worth as a fullback of class in Brisbane’s 24-all draw with Gold Coast.
Titans captain and halfback Tanah Boyd was also outstanding.
Reece Walsh’s communication and kicking game was outstanding in only the 20-year-old’s second game in Broncos colours.Credit:Getty
Boyd showed why coach Justin Holbrook has entrusted him with the first shot at the No.7 jersey this year as he controlled play. He also landed four conversions from as many attempts and was the reason why the Titans fought back from a 24-6 deficit.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters would have been licking his lips watching Walsh save two tries in the opening quarter of the NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash on the Sunshine Coast in front of 4605 fans.
Titans captain and halfback Tanah Boyd controlled play and was the reason the Titans fought back from a 24-6 deficit.Credit:Getty
Defence is the area of Walsh’s game that Walters wanted him to focus on, and he delivered. His communication and kicking game was outstanding, securing a 40/20 early in the second half.
It was just the 20-year-old’s second game in Broncos colours. He played a trial against Wynnum-Manly in early 2021, before linking with the Warriors for two seasons and then returning to Brisbane.
“It was a good hit-out from Reece in his first game for the Broncos in a senior game for us,” Walters said.
“He is obviously one of the guys we have brought into the squad to improve us.
“I thought he did some good things and there are some areas in his game like most of our boys, that they need to work hard on to get better.
“He has got good speed across the ground and good vision, there is no doubt about that.”
Walsh ran for 105 metres, with two line breaks, six tackle breaks and a try before coming off with a minor head knock in the 55th minute.
His wizardry was on show in the fifth minute when his dazzling feet and speed bamboozled the Titans defence and he carried three defenders over the line with him.
A pinpoint Boyd bomb set up a try for impressive winger Jojo Fifita to level it at six-all.
Boyd controlled play with a masterful kicking game, but the Broncos skipped away to lead by 18 at halftime with new signing Marty Taupau in blockbusting form at prop.
Tristan Sailor, son of Broncos legend Wendell, conjured up the try of the night with a stunning cross-field kick on the run for winger Jordan Pereira to haul it in and score his second try after a Walsh break had led to his first.
The Titans roared back in the second half with winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring a double and Vaka Sikahele crossing for a try after the Broncos took their big guns Herbie Farnworth, Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas off the field.
AAP
