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. The Broncos lost two key playmakers to injury in the second half, but it did not matter, as Walsh and the desperate, committed defence of his teammates secured his club’s first premiership in 19 years.
