Kevin Walters has confirmed that Reece Walsh will not play in the crucial Round 26 match against the Dolphins, a game that could potentially determine whether the Broncos advance to the NRL finals. Despite a significant victory over Parramatta in Round 25, which kept their finals hopes alive, the Broncos remain just outside the top eight, trailing by only two points.
With the Dragons losing to Cronulla on Sunday, the Broncos, Dolphins, Knights, and Raiders all have a chance to secure a spot in the top eight with two games remaining. Notably, the Broncos have a superior points differential compared to their competitors, including the eighth-placed Dragons.
Reece Walsh, who is a key player for the Broncos, has been sidelined for two weeks due to a hand fracture sustained in a match against the Cowboys. He underwent surgery to stabilize the injury. There had been initial optimism that Walsh might return in two weeks, similar to Jayden Campbell’s recovery from a comparable injury earlier in the season.
However, Walters revealed in his post-match press conference that both Walsh and Payne Haas will be unavailable for the game against the Dolphins. The decision not to rush Walsh back into the lineup, despite the critical nature of the game, comes as a slight surprise.
Walters expressed hope that Walsh and Haas might be fit for the final match of the season against Melbourne, although it could be too late for that to impact their chances. Earlier in the week, Walters had been confident that both players would return before the end of the season, but it appears Walsh’s return will not be in time for this weekend’s match.
In Round 26, the Dragons will face the Eels in Parramatta. A victory for the Dragons could eliminate any of the teams in the chasing pack that lose their games this weekend. If the Dragons win, the loser of the Broncos versus Dolphins game will be out of contention, while the winner will remain in the race. The Knights are expected to secure a win against the Titans at home, and the Raiders will have a tough challenge facing the Roosters in Sydney.
Despite the setbacks with Walsh and Haas, Walters remains confident that his team will make the finals. When asked about the Broncos’ potential performance in the finals, Walters asserted, “There is no ‘if’. We will make the finals but we have to play well next week against Redcliffe.”
Walters’ confidence stems from his belief in captain Adam Reynolds, who he feels has more to offer. Walters noted Reynolds’ disappointment with his recent performance but emphasized the importance of his leadership. “He knows he can be better. We know he can be better. The whole team can be better,” Walters stated.
Reynolds acknowledged his own shortcomings in the match against Parramatta and is determined to improve in the remaining games. Meanwhile, Tristan Sailor, who stepped in for Walsh at fullback, delivered what Walters described as his best performance of the season. Sailor scored a thrilling 60-meter try and made a key pass to set up a try for Selwyn Cobbo, showcasing his potential and reliability under pressure.
As the season nears its end, the standings are tight with only two rounds remaining. The Storm lead the table with 42 points, followed by the Roosters, Sharks, and Panthers, all with 36 points but varying points differentials. The Bulldogs are next with 34 points, while the Cowboys, Sea Eagles, and Dragons are in the mix with 32, 31, and 28 points respectively. The Broncos, Dolphins, Knights, and Raiders all sit at 26 points, with varying points differentials affecting their positions.
Key matches in the upcoming Round 26 will include the Eels versus Dragons clash, which could be pivotal in determining the final standings and playoff positions.
