First Penrith, now North Queensland! The Brisbane Broncos’ perfect start to the season continues as Reece Walsh makes the DREAM debut for Kevin Walters’ team as they dominate the Cowboys.
Reece Walsh went on a rampage at fullback on his club debut for Brisbane to inspire a 28-16 win over North Queensland, on a night that saw Broncos winger Corey Oates break his jaw.
The 20-year-old Walsh showed why manager Kevin Walters was so keen on bringing him back to the club, having a hand on three tries in the space of 10 minutes either side of halftime. He sealed the deal for the home team with a 76th minute try to cap off a magical Friday night.
His blinding speed, combined with electric No. 6 Ezra Mam, was too much for the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium in front of 43,162 fans.
North Queensland will nervously await the findings of the match review committee with center Peta Hiku reported for a dangerous tackle on Walsh and fullback Scott Drinkwater for a high shot on Oates when he was denied a try just after half time.
Oates left the field clutching his jaw, Drinkwater was sent off and Walsh broke a 10-all deadlock with an instinctive left-foot shot for Kotoni Staggs in the 44th minute.
The Brisbane Broncos’ brilliant start to the season continued when they defeated North Queensland
Reece Walsh debuted with the Broncos and dazzled at Suncorp Stadium
Walsh bombarded the Cowboys again five minutes later, Mam finished him off on her second try, and the hosts never looked back.
Brisbane were defensively stout with Walsh and Mam impressing on that front. His attack was next level. Walsh terrorized the right edge of North Queensland and Mam, who scored a double, took a mile when given an inch.
The Cowboys set up a thrilling finish when second string Jeremiah Nanai chased down a Chad Townsend punt, but Walsh had the last word.
There were six straight games between the two clubs from 2015-2017 that were decided by six points or less, including the 2015 grand final won 17-16 by North Queensland.
The game had a similar feel from the start, but it was the Broncos who had the X factor on offense to make the difference.
The teams were level at 10 at half-time after both experienced running backs shone. Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds had looked for Kurt Capewell to score after Cowboys co-captain Townsend brought Nanai down.
Walsh broke from the visitors’ right-edge defense and then an excellent kick into the field from Oates saw Mam go over the top on 39 minutes. It was a harbinger of things to come.
Broncos mainstay Martin Taupau was also charged for a hip-dropping tackle on Jamayne Taunoa-Brown.
Ezra Mam scored two tries as the Broncos cruised to a dominating victory