Brisbane’s Derby Victory Comes at a Cost
Brisbane have secured their third consecutive win with a controversial 26-12 derby victory over Gold Coast. However, the triumph came at a significant cost as fullback Reece Walsh, celebrating his 100th NRL match, was taken to hospital after sustaining a suspected cheekbone fracture during the game.
Walsh showcased his exceptional talent in the first half by scoring a try that will be remembered for years. His performance was nothing short of breathtaking, but it ended abruptly when he suffered a concussion while tackling Titans forward Kurtis Morrin on the cusp of halftime.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire expressed concern about 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 against North Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
Earlier in the game, captain Adam Reynolds sustained a groin strain and was replaced by veteran Ben Hunt, who also played despite a knee injury. Reynolds plans to undergo scans for his injury, while Hunt demonstrated remarkable bravery by continuing to play.
“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.
The win marked a significant milestone for the defending premiers as they moved into the top eight for the first time this season. A lapse in concentration after the break proved costly for the hosts. They failed to contest a Hunt bomb, allowing Staggs to collect the scraps and kick again for Mam to score, sending bench prop Xavier Willison over the line. Mam then set up centre Gehamat Shibasaki for another try, giving the visitors a 16-6 lead.
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 on the other end in the next set, adding insult to injury for the home side.
“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 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 stole the show in the third minute when he bombed from 15m out and raced through to catch the ball and score himself, despite being buffeted by defenders. It was a moment of sheer skill and breathtaking audacity.
Arama Hau, the Titans’ rising second-rower and hero from last week’s win over St George Illawarra, stormed 15m but was 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 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 capitalize on the Broncos’ misfortune in the second half, despite several near misses.
