"The new face of rugby league Reece Walsh propelled the Brisbane Broncos to an unlikely premiership on Sunday in Sydney, helping engineer another double-digit comeback in one of the great individual grand final performances that rendered the Melbourne Storm helpless in a 26-22 boilover. The fullback contributed a barnstorming try, three try assists, three try-savers including one in the final minute and a relentless swagger on the night he ascended to the summit of the game."
"With a performance that immediately enters rugby league's pantheon, Walsh the Clive Churchill medallist for player of the match was the difference between the sides, and helped the Broncos overcome the loss of halfback Adam Reynolds to injury early in the second half and Ben Hunt with concussion with 10 minutes go. The Broncos duo, like the 80,223 fans that filled Accor Stadium, were relegated to spectators to see the final stages of an unforgettable match, that proved compelling to the end."
"In the 80th minute, impressive Storm backrower Eli Katoa burst through the Broncos defence and fleet-footed fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen loomed on his inside. In front of the pair stood only Walsh. Yet the Broncos No 1 gambled by targeting Papenhuyzen, who found himself with the ball, and was instantly met by Walsh's shoulder. It was an exclamation point on a performance that will never be forgotten."
Reece Walsh delivered a match-defining performance to lead the Brisbane Broncos to a 26-22 grand final victory over the Melbourne Storm, completing another double-digit comeback. Walsh scored a barnstorming try, created three tries, made three try-saving tackles including a final-minute stop, and won the Clive Churchill medal. The Broncos lost playmakers Adam Reynolds (injured early in the second half) and Ben Hunt (concussion with ten minutes remaining), but sustained defensive commitment preserved the lead. An 80,223 crowd at Accor Stadium witnessed Walsh's decisive collision with Ryan Papenhuyzen in the 80th minute, sealing Brisbane's first premiership in 19 years.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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