🔗 Share this article

The emerging star of rugby league, the young fullback, drove the Queensland side to an surprising premiership on Sunday in Accor Stadium, helping execute one more 10-point rally in a legendary individual title match displays that left the Storm helpless in a close-fought upset.

Outstanding Effort by Walsh

The No. 1 delivered a barnstorming score, three try assists, key try-savers – including one in the last seconds – and a constant confidence on the occasion he rose to the peak of the game. The team were without important players to injury in the second half, but it was irrelevant, as Reece and the desperate defence of his colleagues secured his club’s initial title in a long wait.

“Wow, what a journey,” Walsh remarked right after the final whistle. “Many critics underestimated us this year, but you’re the only ones who trusted us. We appreciate you.”

Turning Points

• Walsh evaded a rushing opponent to send Mariner for a try just two minutes in.
• In the final minute, he took a risk by hitting Papenhuyzen and met him with a shoulder.
• The Broncos erased a 22-12 lead held by the Storm during the initial 40 minutes.

Unit Contribution

Forward the lock said it was a tribute to the full roster. “Traveling, suffering setbacks, we all know the storylines of the previous rounds, so for the boys to fly for it, it’s fantastic,” he remarked, explaining that Maguire gave them confidence in his break talk. “His message was trust our defence. Fortunately we experienced two rehearsals the recent games, we believed that if we could play our game, we could win.”

Other Side Skill

Yet the standard of their opponents soon became obvious. Key was Jahrome Hughes, who evaded past defenders and under the posts to restore the their two-score advantage just before the break. He created another with a kick, and was a constant menace, with his kicking game – to the flyer in particular – creating the Broncos continuous problems.

Unforgettable Display

Yet so incredible was the fullback’s contribution, coming from behind another time will not be the main reason the game is recalled. Throughout the top-level championship decider, the both sides completed a total high percentage plays in the opening period. Yet there was one moment that was most memorable. A quick Broncos play in attack brought the fullback from the rear, and he called for a quick pass from hooker. With a mix of force and agility, he sidestepped and sprinted his way under the posts, beating five Melbourne defenders trailing.

“Incredible talent,” stated Hunt, who made amends a ten years after his knock-on in the previous decider.

He wasn’t finished. His stunning contribution continued in the later period, when he set up two tries to catch up to the Storm then moved the his team ahead. He prevented a likely rival player score by hitting the player’s arms as he was planting the ball, and he chased down Papenhuyzen again when he escaped.

For Brisbane, after fightbacks versus Canberra and Penrith Panthers in the postseason earlier, this was a scarcely believable third turnaround of a significant margin, securing their reputation as unyielding champions.