UPDATE: The Brisbane Broncos have solidified their position in the NRL finals with a commanding 46-12 victory over the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on September 24, 2023. This impressive second-half performance propels the Broncos closer to a coveted top-four spot as the regular season winds down.
In a game that showcased both skill and controversy, Broncos fullback Reece Walsh played a pivotal role. Just as the match hung in the balance at 20-12, Walsh executed a spectacular solo effort, sprinting 70 meters to seal the win. Earlier, he drew criticism from former Broncos coach Kevin Walters for a risky try assist to teammate Kobe Hetherington, who was celebrating his 100th NRL game.
During the match, Walsh donated a try to Hetherington, passing the ball back to him under the goalposts after a clever play. Walters voiced his disapproval on Fox Sports, stating, “I’m not a fan of that … throwing the ball back in the in-goal. What if Hetherington dropped it?” He further remarked that current Broncos coach Michael Maguire was “not too happy with that one.”
The Broncos’ victory was crucial, distancing them from the crowded mid-table teams. They scored six tries in the second half, with highlights including contributions from Payne Haas and Gehamat Shibasaki. Newcastle’s defeat marks their seventh consecutive loss and 10th defeat in 11 home games, plunging them into a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Veteran playmaker Ben Hunt starred in his 350th NRL game, joining legends like Terry Lamb and Daly Cherry-Evans as one of the most capped players in Australian rugby league history. Hunt was instrumental in Brisbane’s early scoring, assisting Kotoni Staggs for the first try just three minutes into the match.
Despite a brief respite for Newcastle, who saw Leo Thompson score from a Phoenix Crossland grubber, the Knights could not keep pace. As the clock wound down, tries from Jordan Riki and a second for Deine Mariner compounded Newcastle’s misery.
As the Broncos gear up for the final two weeks of the regular season, all eyes are on their quest for a top-four finish. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Walsh’s controversial plays influence their trajectory.
Stay tuned for live updates and further developments as the NRL season approaches its climax.
