Ben Hunt’s pursuit of redemption, after his ill-timed knock-on a decade ago that handed the Cowboys their one and only NRL premiership, was one of Sunday’s many grand final storylines. So when the 35-year-old stood up from an awkward tackle and staggered late in the match, just as the Melbourne Storm were laying siege to the Broncos’ line, another tragedy beckoned.
But there was Reece Walsh. The Broncos fullback had spotted his unsteady teammate from 30 metres away, and as the veteran five-eighth – who had kicked the match-winning field goal against Canberra three weeks ago – veered towards the sideline in a vain search for his balance, Walsh met and steadied him with a gentle embrace. The fullback cradled Hunt’s head with his hand, nails painted black, and whispered calm.
