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The emerging star of professional rugby, Reece Walsh, led the Brisbane Broncos to an unexpected championship on Sunday in Sydney, contributing to execute one more double-digit comeback in a legendary solo grand final displays that left the Melbourne Storm ineffective in a 26-22 upset.

Brilliant Performance by Reece Walsh

The fullback produced a barnstorming try, several setup passes, three try-savers – featuring one in the dying moments – and a unstoppable confidence on the evening he ascended to the peak of the game. Brisbane were without important players to harm in the latter period, but it was irrelevant, as the fullback and the desperate defensive effort of his colleagues earned his club’s maiden championship in a long wait.

“Incredible, an amazing experience,” the star stated following the end. “A lot of people [wrote] us off throughout the season, but the fans who believed in us. We appreciate you.”

Turning Points

• Reece Walsh evaded a jamming opponent to assist Deine Mariner for a try just two minutes in.
• At the last play, he gambled by hitting Papenhuyzen and met him with a challenge.
• The team erased a significant deficit from the Melbourne during the first half.

Squad Effort

Lock Carrigan noted it was a testament to the whole team. “Coming down, losing two boys, it’s known the background of the recent matches, so for the boys to respond, it’s fantastic,” he said, explaining that Maguire gave them confidence in his interval address. “He just said trust our defence. Lucky we had two rehearsals the previous rounds, we believed that if we could get our footy on, we could win.”

Rival Performance

However the quality of their rivals showed itself. There was Jahrome Hughes, who sidestepped into space and for a try to reinstate the their 10-point lead just before the break. He created another with a grubber, and was a ongoing threat, with his kicking game – to the flyer notably – giving the opposition regular difficulties.

Unforgettable Impact

However so outstanding was the fullback’s performance, overcoming a deficit once more is not the key takeaway this match is recalled. Throughout the excellent grand final, the two teams completed a joint 39 of 42 plays in the first half. Yet there was one moment that was most memorable. A quick Brisbane ruck from the line attracted Reece from the backfield, and he requested a quick pass from hooker. Combining power and strength, he swerved and skittled his route to score, leaving several Storm players trailing.

“Phenomenal player,” commented a fellow player, that redeemed himself a ten years after his error in the 2015 grand final.

Walsh wasn’t finished. His remarkable contribution persisted in the later period, when he created scores to catch up to the opposition then moved the Broncos leading. He prevented a certain rival player score by contacting the forward’s grip when he was placing the ball, and he ran down Papenhuyzen once more when he escaped.

The Broncos, following late rallies versus the Raiders and Penrith Panthers in the finals previously, this was a hard to believe third turnaround of double digits, cementing their status as resilient winners.