Lining up for sideline conversions, taking time to ask kids in the crowd if they had any luck fishing during the school holidays – fan favourite Reece Walsh is back at Red Hill for the Broncos.
And the Brisbane fullback’s return is vital, for it must mark the re-invigoration of the team’s attack, which has faltered throughout a four-match losing streak.
Walsh can expect plenty of attention from the Panthers on Friday night, with NSW Blues tormentor and new Queensland public enemy No.1 Liam Martin tipped to single out the enigmatic Maroons star.
Since Walsh’s last outing for the side – against the Gold Coast Titans in round 12, after which State of Origin and concussion recovery sidelined him from club duties – the Broncos have made just seven tries in three games.
In the eight clashes the 21-year-old had been able to complete, Brisbane scored 38 tries, with Walsh scoring nine, while coming up with eight line breaks, eight line-break assists and four try assists.
In the No.1’s absence, the Broncos attack has lacked creativity – winger Deine Mariner has scored four tries out wide, while the other three tries have come through close-range forward power.
Coach Kevin Walters admitted Walsh’s loss had dented his side’s offence, but blame can be laid in an escalating error rate: 54 in their past four defeats, for a set-completion rate of just 71.5 per cent.
“Of course, with no Reece Walsh [the attack has struggled] – every team is like that – but at different stages in games we look like a million dollars, we look like a team that could score a lot of points,” Walters said.
“Then other times when we get disrupted, and we don’t have our discipline – we look like a team that’s sitting where we are sitting [10th].
“I think it’s a mixture of a bit of attitude … a little bit of overthinking, a little bit of lack of confidence. Just all little bits that have been around the team, but I expect them to be mowed over tomorrow night with the week’s training we’ve had.
“The creative spark’s still there; we just have to hold the ball – that brings players like Reece and Ezra [Mam], Deine Mariner, Selwyn Cobbo into the game.
“It’s missing because we haven’t had our discipline right. We get our discipline right and Walshy will explode.”
The last time Walsh faced three-time defending champions Penrith, he left the field just four minutes in, after suffering a facial fracture in Taylan May’s attempts to shut him down.
“I’m not sure what they’re going to come up with, but as long as it’s within the rules, we’re fine,” Walters said.
Walters will also welcome back Origin forwards Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan for the return to Suncorp Stadium, after the pair – along with Walsh – were rested for the defeat to the Warriors.
Sydney Morning Herald
