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A emerging talent of rugby league, the young fullback, propelled the Broncos to an unexpected title victory on game day in Accor Stadium, assisting engineer one more double-digit comeback in one of the great individual championship displays that made the opposition helpless in a tight-score boilover.

Stellar Effort by Walsh

The No. 1 produced a dynamic try, several assists, three defensive stops – including a vital effort in the dying moments – and a unstoppable presence on the night he climbed to the peak of the sport. The team lost star halves to knocks in the second half, but it did not matter, as the fullback and the desperate defensive effort of his teammates secured his team’s maiden championship in 19 years.

“Oh my god, what a bloody ride,” the star remarked immediately after the final whistle. “A lot of people underestimated us throughout the season, but the fans who believed in us. We love yous.”

Key Moments

• Reece Walsh evaded a rushing defender to assist Mariner over early.
• In the 80th minute, the Broncos No. 1 made a decision by hitting the Storm fullback and stopped him with a challenge.
• Brisbane fought back from a 10-point advantage held by the Melbourne during the initial 40 minutes.

Unit Performance

Forward Carrigan said it was a testament to the entire Broncos squad. “Coming down, suffering setbacks, we all know the storylines of the last two [weeks], so for the team to step up, it’s fantastic,” he said, explaining that the coach gave them belief in his interval address. “He told us back our D [defence]. Fortunately we experienced practice runs the last two weeks, we were confident that if we could get our footy on, we had the ability.”

Rival Skill

Yet the standard of their opposition soon became obvious. Key was Hughes, who stepped off his right past defenders and for a try to restore the Melbourne’s 10-point lead right before the break. He set up another with a precise kick, and was a constant menace, with his kicking game – to the flyer in particular – creating the Broncos continuous problems.

Memorable Impact

Yet so incredible was Reece’s input, erasing a lead again won’t be the primary factor the grand final is recalled. During this excellent grand final, the two teams completed a total high percentage sets in the opening period. Yet a single play that shone brightest. An rapid Brisbane play 20m out drew the fullback from the backfield, and he signaled for a quick pass from hooker. Combining speed and skill, he sidestepped and sprinted his way under the posts, leaving behind several Storm players behind him.

“Phenomenal player,” commented teammate Ben Hunt, who made amends a following his knock-on in the 2015 grand final.

Walsh wasn’t finished. His remarkable effort continued in the second half, when he assisted touchdowns to catch up to the opposition then placed the Brisbane leading. He stopped a certain Tui Kamickamicka try by contacting the forward’s grip when he was grounding the ball, and he ran down the Storm fullback once more when he broke free.

The team, after late rallies in matches with Canberra Raiders and Penrith in the playoffs already, this was a hard to believe third rally of double digits, cementing their legacy as determined titleholders.