NRL trials 2023: Reece Walsh stars as Broncos and Titans play out pre-season draw

Returning dwelling after a two-year stint on the Warriors, Walsh made an immediate influence within the No.1 jumper, producing a man-of-the-match efficiency to launch his Broncos profession in model.

Fielding 11 top-liners, the Broncos bolted to a 24-6 half-time lead because of a Jordan Pereira double earlier than the Titans produced a gutsy second-half fightback to share the spoils in a spirited derby trial.

LIKES

REECE LIGHTNING

What a expertise. What a begin. The Broncos are banking on Walsh to be their backfield X-factor and he didn’t disappoint, needing simply six minutes to put down a seasonal marker when he sliced via to provide Brisbane a 6-0 lead.

The flying fullback was a relentless menace to the Titans. Walsh charged for 105 metres, amassed six sort out busts and two line breaks and even blasted a 40-20 earlier than a minor head knock within the 54th minute satisfied coach Kevin Walters to relaxation his primary man.

If Walsh continues this vein of type, the Broncos are real finals contenders.

“It was an excellent hitout for Reece,” Walters mentioned. “He has nice pace throughout the bottom and good imaginative and prescient along with his assault. He has been an excellent addition to us and we noticed glimpses of that.”

BRONCO POWER

Brisbane’s depth is spectacular.

Whereas Walsh and stand-in skipper Payne Haas (106m) had been sturdy, the likes of two-try winger Pereira, Tristan Sailor, stylish threequarter Deine Mariner and front-row import Martin Taupau will guarantee competitors for spots.

Key trio Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth got here via unscathed and had been known as off by halftime.

“Marty introduced some vitality within the center along with his working and offloads,” Walters mentioned. “For somebody who hasn’t been on the membership very lengthy, I used to be very impressed along with his first sport in Broncos colors.”

MAM O MAN

Rookie Bronco Ezra Mam was uncovered in defence final season however the silky-skilled pivot muscled up with out the ball in his first hitout of the 2023 marketing campaign.

Mam has added 6kg in pre-season and his better physicality was evident.

Challenged by Walters to enhance his defence, Mam responded, highlighted by two crunching hits on Titans wrecking ball David Fifita within the opening quarter.

BUSY BOYD

Toby Sexton or Tanah Boyd for the Titans’ No.7 jumper? On this proof, Boyd landed the primary telling blow within the battle to be Kieran Foran’s halves accomplice for Gold Coast’s premiership opener.

The livewire utility confirmed some good touches at halfback, establishing the Titans’ opening attempt with a well-placed cross kick for Jojo Fifita within the sixteenth minute.

Boyd has a pleasant synergy with David Fifita on Gold Coast’s proper edge. Together with his pace, kicking and precision passing sport, the previous Bronco shapes as a useful foil for Titans’ senior playmaker Foran.

DISLIKES

FRUSTRATING FIFITA

David Fifita is the NRL’s nice enigma.

The Titans hulk has the expertise to be the code’s finest back-rower however as soon as once more, Fifita didn’t flex his muscle and was largely well-contained by his former Brisbane teammates.

Off-contract this 12 months, Fifita tried to get himself into the sport however Titans coach Justin Holbrook wants to plan a sport plan to deliver out his brilliance.

DUMMY-HALF DILEMMA

There is no such thing as a clear standout for the Broncos No.9 jumper.

Cory Paix began at 9 however he threw a ahead go early and didn’t fairly assert the authority coach Walters is craving from a first-choice hooker.

Paix has the within working to begin at hooker in spherical one however Billy Walters and Tyson Smoothy are making use of stress.

Initially revealed as NRL trials 2023: Reece Walsh stars as Broncos and Titans play out pre-season draw