Reece Walsh added more magical moments to his 2023 highlights reel as the Broncos humbled the Eels, but captain Adam Reynolds believes there is room for improvement with tougher assignments ahead.
For the most part, Walsh was in fine form, with the star fullback scoring a try, producing a try assist off a stunning pass to Deine Mariner as well as having four tackle breaks, two line breaks and four line break assists.
However, he also made multiple errors by trying to rush and push the play.
“He has got it all, it is my job on the field to keep him calm and composed,” Reynolds said on Walsh after the game.
“As Kev [coach Kevin Walters] said, cut those errors out. If we can get him down to one error a game or none, that would be terrific.
"You've seen what he can do. [Four] line break assists is special when he has got the ball. It is just about minimising the errors in his game.
“He is still learning his trade and competing on every play. It is my job and the coaches' job to try and help him get that out of his game.”
Match: Broncos v Eels
Round 24 -
home Team
Broncos
1st Position
away Team
Eels
10th Position
Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane
On his side’s performance overall and that of the backline which included two tries to Mariner who stepped in for an injured Jesse Arthars, Reynolds was also tempered in his praise.
“You could say that this year, (but) in saying that; we had a number of errors coming out of our own end and pushed passes,” Reynolds said post match when asked if it was one of the best performances this year from Brisbane’s backs.
“It could have been better and a bit more ruthless. When you are up like that, sometimes you can push the pass. If the score was a bit closer, we might not have pushed the pass.
“In terms of our errors and a bit of our discipline (we could be more ruthless).”
Deine Mariner loving life on the end of the Broncos backline
Since returning home to Brisbane this year after getting his first taste of NRL with the Warriors, Walsh has been mounting a strong case to be considered the buy of the season, with his confidence growing on the field to direct players around him, and not just take it upon himself to takes risks as a default play in the hope they pay off.
However, like Reynolds, coach Kevin Walters said while he was pleased with Walsh’s performances and development, he knew there was more work to be done.
“He did have a bit of a mixed game tonight, Walshy, but he is pretty electric at the back when he gets the ball,” Walters said.
“He had some really good moments, but there are parts of his game that he has already reflected on where he should have taken better options.
“If we can get that even better it will make him even more dangerous. It is good (how Walsh is playing), I am not going to sit here and say it is not.
“The first thing Reece said to me when he came into the dressing room was that he was disappointed with a few of the options he took. That's coming from him. That's a good sign from a young player. You saw what he did out there.
“Reyno is playing with him every week and is a great coach for him out on the field. I see him talking to him all the time. It was a really strong performance from him.”
With another big win in the bag, the Broncos now have this weekend off with a guaranteed two points this round for the bye.
