Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo dazzle in first Broncos game since NRL grand final
The Broncos are already looking the part ahead of the 2024 season.
Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo have showcased why the Broncos will once again be fighting for the premiership title in 2024 after putting on a dazzling display in the pre-season challenge win over the Cowboys. Walsh and Cobbo both got over the try line in the big 46-20 victory in Mackay as the Brisbane backline looks to be on point heading into the NRL season.
Walsh contributed a try, two try assists, a line break, a 40-20 and ran for 100 metres during his pre-season hit out. Cobbo was equally impressive as he played in the centres, scoring one try, setting-up another and running for 115 metres. In the 43rd minute, the duo combined beautifully when Walsh ran at the line and put Cobbo through on the outside of his man.
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Cobbo then returned the favour as he passed it back to see Walsh stroll over the try line. Coach Kevin Walters announced at the end of last year Cobbo would most likely be moving into the centre role after the departure of Herbie Farnsworth.
And the 21-year-old looked a natural as he lined-up for his first pre-season game. Cobbo also showcased brilliant hands to set-up Corey Oates for a try. Walsh eventually helped Tristan Sailor over the line, which showcases the depth of talent the Broncos have in 2024.
Sailor will act as a back-up fullback in 2024, behind Walsh, but there have been growing calls for the electric 25-year-old to come off the bench throughout the season. Fans were thrilled with the Broncos hit out and were excited for the season ahead.
Todays stocks just in!
Reece Walsh ⬆️111%— SC Trotter (@RLSCTrotter) February 18, 2024
Man, what a game that was! As a die-hard rugby fan, watching the Brisbane Broncos take on the Cowboys and come out with a dominant 46-20 win was an absolute thrill. And let's talk about Reece Walsh for a minute – that guy is pure magic on the field! His two try assists, that…
— Courtney Jordan (@courthology) February 18, 2024
Good to see Reece Walsh have a hand in a Broncos try & a couple for the Cows.
— Johnathan Drama Esq (@jdrama68) February 18, 2024
Hate it or love it, Reece Walsh is beuatiful to watch play footy.
— TEETS NRL/Nz Warriors (@TEETSNrl) February 18, 2024
Broncos face Payne Haas and Brendan Piakura concern
While the Broncos backline was the talk of the town, it was Brendan Piakura who was the individual star of the show until he came down with injury. The second rower went over the line twice after some brilliant edge running, which would have delighted Broncos fans after the departure of Kurt Capewell.
Although disaster struck when the 21-year-old went off the field and emerged in a knee brace on the sideline. Coach Walters admitted the team would wait for the outcome of his injury during the week.
"He didn't take any further part in the game, so that is not great news for Brendan, or for us for that matter," Walters said. "We will get some scans tomorrow when we get back to Brisbane. I am sure they will get on top of it."
This comes as a blow for the Broncos with Brent Tate praising the second-rower's ability ahead of the game. "Piakura is a very special player. He has great movement, great skill and can be a real X factor for the Broncos this season," former Broncos centre Tate said in Fox League commentary.
Payne Haas was at his brilliant best running for 125m in a bulldozing first-half display, but will face a nervous wait for the charge sheet from the match review committee, although there didn't appear much in the incident. Haas appeared to collect Cowboys bench hooker Kyle Schneider with a swinging arm in the first half. The Broncos are set to play the Roosters in the first round in the US.
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