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A new talent of rugby league, Walsh, led the Queensland side to an unexpected title victory on game day in Accor Stadium, helping engineer one more double-digit comeback in a legendary individual grand final showings that left the opposition ineffective in a tight-score shock result.

Brilliant Performance by Walsh

The No. 1 contributed a powerful touchdown, several setup passes, multiple tackles – featuring one in the final minute – and a relentless confidence on the occasion he rose to the peak of the league. Brisbane lost two key playmakers to harm in the after halftime, but it made no difference, as Reece and the committed defensive effort of his teammates secured his club’s initial title in 19 years.

“Oh my god, what a journey,” Walsh stated right after the end. “Numerous observers doubted us throughout the season, but the fans who trusted us. We appreciate you.”

Key Moments

• Walsh evaded a rushing opponent to assist Mariner across at the start.
• At the final minute, Walsh took a risk by focusing on Ryan Papenhuyzen and met him with a hit.
• The team overcame a 22-12 lead from the Storm in the middle of the opening period.

Team Effort

Lock Carrigan noted it was a credit to the whole team. “Traveling, injuring key players, it’s known the narratives of the recent matches, so for the team to fly for it, it’s fantastic,” he added, noting that the coach gave them assurance in his interval address. “His message was back our D [defence]. Fortunately we experienced two rehearsals the last two weeks, we believed that if we could execute our plan, we had the ability.”

Opposition Performance

Yet the quality of their opponents was evident. There was Hughes, who stepped off his right past defenders and for a try to reinstate the Storm’s 10-point lead just before intermission. He set up another with a kick, and was a ongoing threat, with his kicking – to winger Xavier Coates especially – giving Brisbane regular difficulties.

Historic Display

But so incredible was the fullback’s performance, overcoming a deficit another time is not the primary factor this match is celebrated. During this high quality grand final, the two teams completed a total high percentage possessions in the opening period. But there was one moment that was most memorable. A quick Broncos ruck in attack brought Reece from the defensive line, and he signaled for a fast ball from dummy half. With a mix of speed and skill, he swerved and skittled his way under the posts, beating several Storm players in his wake.

“Incredible talent,” said Hunt, who made amends a ten years after his error in the 2015 grand final.

The star wasn’t finished. His stunning display persisted in the later period, when he created two tries to catch up to the opposition then moved the Broncos leading. He stopped a probable Tui Kamickamicka four-pointer by contacting the player’s arms when he was grounding the ball, and he chased down the Storm fullback again when he escaped.

The team, following comebacks in matches with Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers in the postseason already, this was a incredible third turnaround of double digits, securing their legacy as unyielding champions.