Livewire fullback Reece Walsh is geared up for his first NRL final, insisting he has no fear of rivals Melbourne and a better understanding of his vital role in getting Brisbane a victory.
The 21-year-old has been at his electric best since returning from a three-match ban for contrary conduct in the round-17 loss to Gold Coast, in which he gave teammate Pat Carrigan a spray and had a running battle with referee Chris Butler.
More importantly, he has also channelled his exuberant personality in positive ways instead of negative ones.
Walsh credits his captain Adam Reynolds for helping him keep his cool and maintain his focus.
“When Reyno sat out some of the games, he was in my ear a bit that the boys need me a little bit more than usual and I have to be calm and use my voice a bit more in the good areas, instead of blowing up,” Walsh said ahead of Friday’s qualifying final against the Storm at Suncorp Stadium..
“Sitting those three games out … I was disappointed in that.
“The role I play in the team is really infectious among the group, (with) the way I carry myself on the field.
“Being a spine member, people look at you and need to trust your voice, your decisions and everything that you do.
“Losing my head isn’t the best thing for the team. I’m still young and I’m still learning and I’ll probably still have some snaps in me every now and then.
“But I find myself pulling myself back a bit more and the leaders in the team are helping me in that area of my game a lot more.”
The Broncos have lost their last 14 games to the Storm and have not beaten them in Brisbane since 2009 but Walsh was adamant he does not believe in hoodoos.
“We are not the same team that has (lost) whatever it is … the past 14, or whatever everyone is tossing up,” he said.
“We know the team we are and the footy we can play. We know we are one of the best in the comp.
“Do I fear the Storm? I don’t.
“We have got an awesome squad here. We have shown that throughout the year and it is just about building on what we’ve done and taking it to another level.”
The Broncos will field a full-strength side against the Storm. Winger Corey Oates has been dropped and Jesse Arthars slots in, as revealed on Sunday by AAP.
Prop Keenan Palasia will wear the No.17 and joins Tyson Smoothy, Brendan Piakura and Kobe Hetherington on the bench.
