Brisbane Secures Third Consecutive Win in Controversial Derby
Brisbane has managed to secure their third consecutive win in a fiercely contested derby against Gold Coast, but the victory came at a significant cost. The match ended with a score of 26-12, but it was marred by some serious incidents that have left fans and players alike concerned.
One of the most notable moments was the injury sustained by fullback Reece Walsh, who was playing his 100th NRL match. After the game, Walsh was taken to the hospital due to a suspected cheekbone fracture. His performance in the first half was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored a try that will be remembered for years to come. However, the moment of glory was quickly overshadowed when he was concussed while tackling Titans forward Kurtis Morrin on the cusp of halftime.
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire expressed his concern over Walsh’s condition following the match. “Reece has gone to hospital to get a scan just below his eye so we will have to wait and see on that,” Maguire said. The category-one HIA (Head Injury Assessment) ruled Walsh out of the match, and he is definitely set to miss Friday night’s clash with North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
Earlier in the game, captain Adam Reynolds suffered a groin strain and was replaced by veteran player Ben Hunt, who also played despite having a knee injury. Reynolds plans to undergo scans to assess the extent of his injury, while Hunt’s determination to continue playing was commendable.
“Early mail from the doc at halftime is he thinks I’ve stretched my medial a little bit. I’ll go and catch up with him now,” Hunt said in the dressing sheds.
Gold Coast put up a strong fight throughout the match, trailing 8-6 at halftime. However, it was the class of Brisbane stars Ezra Mam and Kotoni Staggs that ultimately made the difference. Mam, who had “a few bangs” according to Maguire, was outstanding in the second half, showcasing his talent and resilience.
The win marked a significant milestone for the defending premiers, as they moved into the top eight for the first time this season. However, the hosts faced a critical lapse in concentration after the break, which cost them dearly. They failed to contest a Hunt bomb, allowing Staggs to collect the scraps and kick again for Mam to collect and send bench prop Xavier Willison over the line.
Mam then set up centre Gehamat Shibasaki for another try, and the visitors took a commanding lead of 16-6. The Titans were unfortunate when a try by centre AJ Brimson was denied due to a forward pass ruled against five-eighth Lachlan Ilias. Jesse Arthars, who moved from the wing to fullback after Walsh’s exit, scored a try in response, adding to the frustration for the home team.
“It is a hard game and when you earn your opportunity and ice it, and it gets taken away, it is frustrating for the players,” said a frustrated Gold Coast coach Josh Hannay. “You have got to try and brush that and we just didn’t … so that’s a learn for us and a work-on.”
Walsh’s moment of brilliance came in the third minute when he bombed from 15m out and raced through to catch it and score himself while being buffeted by defenders. It was a display of sheer skill and breathtaking audacity. The Titans’ rising second-rower Arama Hau, who was a hero in last week’s win over St George Illawarra, stormed 15m but was only denied by a desperate try-saver by Mam.
Mam was then crunched by Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika, and centre Jojo Fifita swooped on the loose ball to race 65m and score the first of his two tries. Walsh, meanwhile, raced 90m down the left touchline on the cusp of halftime and beat four defenders to put the ball over the line, but he had just touched the sideline in doing so.
A minute later, he was on his way off the field, but the Titans were unable to make the Broncos pay in the second half, despite several near misses.
