Reece Walsh is in some doubt for the Brisbane Broncos’ clash with the Bulldogs on Saturday, with Kevin Walters bringing Corey Oates onto the bench as cover for the ill fullback. Walsh didn’t train with the Broncos on Friday, and Walters revealed afterwards that he’s battling the flu.
The Broncos coach said Oates will be added to the bench on gameday, but refused to reveal who would make way as a result. He told reporters: “You will find out tomorrow”.
By bringing Oates onto the bench, it means Selwyn Cobbo can switch to fullback if Walsh isn’t right to play or can’t finish the match. “Corey is going to come in with that coverage in the outside backs and he can play in the middle too,” Walters said.
Walsh has endured a rough few weeks and was well below his best in Queensland’s loss in the State of Origin series. But he returned with a bang as the Broncos thrashed the Knights last weekend to keep their finals hopes alive.
“Reece has been sick the last couple of days so we’ve kept him away today,” Walters said. “He should be right for tomorrow. He’ll be fine. He’s had a lot of training done with Origin and all that stuff. It’s an important part of the year to freshen him up. Reece will get up. He’s got lots of energy with the way he plays.”
Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds predicted a tricky night for Walsh in the face of some bombs from Matt Burton. “I’m sure he will handle it well,” Reynolds said. “He loves those sorts of challenges. When he is up and about and buzzing around it’s a great sign for this footy team.
“We want him upbeat and taking the line on because that’s when Reece is at his best. We don’t need him frustrated, swearing and carrying on. That’s where I come into it to try and settle him down and get him back on the same page. He’s been fantastic to work with and is doing all the right things.”
Broncos seeking win in Patrick Carrigan’s 100th NRL game
The Broncos are in 11th place on 20 points heading into Round 21 – four points adrift of the top eight. They host the sixth-placed Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday afternoon needing to win five of their remaining six games to make the finals.
The game is Patrick Carrigan’s 100th NRL match (all for the Broncos), while bench forward Martin Taupau will play his 250th top-grade game. Reynolds won a premiership at Souths with the legendary Sam Burgess, but said Carrigan was right up there in class.
“Pat is one of the best locks I’ve ever played with,” Reynolds said. “He works extremely hard on his craft, is fit and fearless. He does whatever job the team needs.
“He’s happy to take the tough carries but also has the smarts to play footy as well. I’m grateful to be alongside him in his 100th and hopefully we can make it a win.”
