Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has set the stage for Sunday’s blockbuster preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium with a sharp response to questions about Penrith Panthers captain Nathan Cleary. The young superstar turned the spotlight back on the Panthers after being reminded of last year’s grand final, where Cleary orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in NRL history to snatch victory.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Walsh was asked directly by a reporter:

“How do you stop Nathan Cleary, mate? He cruelled you in the 2023 grand final. How do you deal with him?”

Walsh, never one to shy away from a big moment, responded with a cheeky counter of his own.

“How does he deal with us?” Walsh shot back.

He continued, giving Cleary the respect he deserves while reminding everyone of Brisbane’s own attacking firepower.

“It’s exciting. He’s a world class player and if you give him an opportunity, he’s going to take it. It’s like the same as us. If they give us opportunities, we’re going to take it. I guess it’s just trying to minimise (Cleary’s impact) and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Walsh’s Response Sparks Debate

Walsh’s confident reply quickly became a talking point on Fox League’s NRL 360, with the panel dissecting what it revealed about his mindset ahead of the clash.

Host Braith Anasta was particularly impressed.

“How does he deal with us? I love that. That’s such a great response from Reece Walsh,” Anasta said.

The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Crawley echoed Anasta’s sentiment.

“I loved what Walsh said then,” Crawley added. “I’ve had a crack at him in the past for being too cocky and different things but that’s just honest self-belief. He believes he’s at the peak of his powers right now. That performance when he came on against the Raiders (in the qualifying final) was something special.”

Cleary vs Walsh: The Clash of Superstars

The conversation inevitably shifted to the heavyweight battle between Cleary, widely regarded as the game’s premier playmaker, and Walsh, the electric fullback who has transformed Brisbane’s attack since his arrival.

Daily Telegraph journalist Dean Ritchie wasn’t convinced Walsh had the upper hand.

“If you’re going to pit the two stars against each other, I know whose game I’d like to be backing under pressure,” Ritchie said. “Nathan, in the finals, is irresistible. Where I think Reece Walsh, as brilliant as he is, can be temperamental. I’m sure they’ll sledge him, they might bowl him over after he’s passed the ball. They’ll be up in his grill, because they know if he is temperamental that he can unravel to some degree, where, the iceman, will never, ever get rattled.”

Ritchie’s comments highlighted the ongoing narrative around Walsh — his dazzling brilliance balanced against his emotional edge. For some, that volatility is what makes him dangerous; for others, it is a weakness waiting to be exploited.

The Case for Walsh’s Maturity

Anasta, however, argued that Walsh has elevated his game to new heights in 2024.

“He’s at different levels now though, Reece. This is career-best form for him,” Anasta said.

Former Broncos enforcer Gorden Tallis also weighed in, backing Walsh’s influence during Brisbane’s dramatic qualifying final comeback against the Raiders.

“His 20 minutes against Canberra, with 16 points down,” Tallis recalled.

Crawley added further context, pointing to Walsh’s consistency.

“And that was on the back of the Melbourne performance (in Round 27) too where he was faultless,” Crawley said.

Despite this, Ritchie remained firm in his doubts.

“That’s when things are going good,” Ritchie countered.

But Tallis was quick to remind him of the adversity Brisbane faced against Canberra.

“They weren’t going good, they were down 16 points,” Tallis interjected.

Ritchie eventually clarified his position, stressing he wanted to see how Walsh would respond in moments of personal pressure.

“In that period though, I want to see Reece, if he’s put under the heat, under the pump individually, how he stands up,” Ritchie said.

Broncos’ Belief vs Panthers’ Proven Champion

The exchange of opinions reflects the stakes of Sunday’s clash. For the Broncos, Walsh represents their X-factor — a player capable of producing moments of magic that can turn a match on its head. For the Panthers, Cleary is the steady hand and proven winner whose composure has delivered three straight premierships.

Walsh’s remarks underline Brisbane’s confidence heading into the preliminary final. The Broncos know they cannot solely focus on stopping Cleary; instead, they are backing their own strengths. The fullback’s words — “How does he deal with us?” — are more than just a cheeky reply; they encapsulate the mindset Brisbane must take if they are to topple the reigning premiers.

For Cleary, Sunday provides yet another opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest big-game players of the modern era. For Walsh, it is a chance to prove that his brilliance can withstand the finals cauldron and deliver Brisbane to their first grand final victory in almost two decades.

As the NRL world builds toward the showdown at Suncorp Stadium, the battle lines are clear: Cleary’s calm mastery versus Walsh’s explosive flair. And just like Walsh himself, fans are looking forward to the challenge.