Campbelltown Stadium: Kevin Walters channelled Reece Walsh by sidestepping a question about whether tensions will erupt next week when the Broncos host the Sydney Roosters for the first time since the ugly scenes in Las Vegas.
The Broncos welcomed the return of a host of stars in Saturday night’s 34-10 carve-up of the Wests Tigers.
Payne Haas scored a try while Adam Reynolds was in the thick of everything and received a rousing reception from the huge number of Broncos fans at Campbelltown Stadium when he came from the field late with cramp.
The Roosters defeated the Broncos in the season opener, which was marred by Spencer Leniu calling Ezra Mam a “monkey”.
Roosters enforcer Leniu remains suspended and will not feature, while Walters confirmed the injured Mam was also not expected to play in the return bout.
But there was a lot of bad blood in the hours that followed that game in the US, and a packed house is sure to ensure emotions run high.
Brisbane winger Deine Mariner plants it down in the corner.Credit: NRL Photos
When asked what gave him the confidence things would remain civil, Walters said: “Because the field will be a metre-and-a-half wider and longer, and that will be a big one for us to use the field.
“These games against teams like the Roosters, it’s great for our club, great for the Roosters, and great for the game. We look forward to it.”
The Roosters scored 60 points against the Dragons on Anzac Day, while the Broncos barely broke out of third gear against the Tigers, who slumped to their fourth straight loss.
Walsh and Reynolds combined brilliantly and forever posed a threat on the right edge.
They did leave their share of points out on the field, which they have done more than once this year, and a habit Walters knows could come cost them against a top-quality opposition.
Walsh sent a scare through the camp in the second half when he clutched at his calf, but it was only cramps.
“He had vomiting at first, then cramps – he had injury known to man tonight,” Walters said.
“He’s OK and will be right for next week. That’s a good thing.
“There was lots to like and lots to dislike.
“I want to be happy, but I want to demand more from our team as well. The expectations are much higher at the Broncos than three years ago.
“As players and staff, we need to make sure those expectations are met. I didn’t feel like they were tonight.”
Tigers coach Benji Marshall said there were positives to take away from competing against both of last year’s grand finalists in the space of seven days.
Skipper Api Koroisau came from the field with back spasms approaching the hour, but Marshall was hopeful he would be fine for next Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs.
“He’s got a pretty sore back – he’s got a bit of nerve pain and damage [but] he thinks he’ll be OK for next week,” Marshall said.
Stefano Utoikamanu was placed on report for a high shot on Walsh, Jahream Bula had a rare off night at the back, and Solomon Alaimalo a former Super Rugby player with the Chiefs, did not look out of place on the left wing.
Marshall rated the Broncos the best team in the competition, and said the addition of Reynolds was huge.
“He kicked us to death tonight, he took some great options, and his attack on the right side with Reece Walsh was pretty hard to stop,” Marshall said of his former Souths teammate.
