Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Reece Walsh inspired the Brisbane Broncos to a 14-12 upset victory over the Penrith Panthers in Round 20 of the NRL Premiership. The fullback controlled Thursday night’s match at CommBank Stadium, keeping Brisbane’s slim finals hopes alive.
Reece Walsh created all three Brisbane Broncos tries as Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam accepted supporting roles. He kicked for Jordan Riki, released Kotoni Staggs with a sharp pass and sent Josiah Karapani over with a cut-out ball.
Elsewhere in the NRL, Toby Rudolf is set for a Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks extension despite earlier uncertainty surrounding his future.
Reece Walsh then converted Josiah Karapani’s 69th-minute try from the sideline after Adam Reynolds missed his first two attempts. The official NRL match centre provides the full Round 20 statistics and scoring details.
Former Sydney Roosters playmaker Luke Keary believes Reece Walsh could eventually move into the halves. “It’s almost like he’s playing halfback for them. I reckon he’ll translate into a five-eighth, like Darren Lockyer,” Luke Keary said.
“Just get out of his way now. I can see him going for eight weeks.”
Brisbane’s forward pack gave Reece Walsh the platform to control the attack. Xavier Willison recorded 189 metres from 22 runs, while Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan added 142 and 115 metres respectively.
The Brisbane Broncos also handled the wet conditions more effectively, attacking through the middle while the Penrith Panthers shifted the ball too often. Penrith committed 13 errors compared with Brisbane’s seven.
The defending premiers still need to win their final seven matches to have any chance of reaching the finals. However, another performance of this quality from Reece Walsh could give Brisbane belief during the closing rounds.
