As Reece Walsh’s replacement gets ready for a sort of homecoming in Melbourne, Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says he won’t press for an early comeback for the fullback.
Walsh was injured in the Broncos’ round three NRL loss to Penrith, 34–12.
The representative fullback would miss four to six weeks, the club later announced.
However, Walsh healed quickly and didn’t need surgery. He has been exercising at Red Hill with specially made headgear.
Walters wouldn’t commit to a round-six return against cross-town rivals the Dolphins, at least one week earlier than anticipated, before of Thursday’s game against the Storm in Melbourne.
“When Reece is ready he’ll play again; that’s not up to me, that’s up to our medical staff,” he stated.
Tristan Sailor, a fullback who brings a distinct package to the table in the No. 1 position, has established a case for keeping him in his role.
Walters remarked, “He’s a very good, very smart footballer.”
“He brings a different mindset than Reece, and he was excellent on defense for us last week against the Cowboys.”
“The good teams need those players in their side.”
Sailor and counterpart Ryan Papenhuyzen, who competed against one another as juniors in Sydney, will rekindle their long-standing rivalry.
“Paps and I are the same age. We have overcome together, keeping in touch and playing footy the entire way,” Sailor remarked.
“He played for CIS (Combined Independent Schools) and I played for CCC (Combined Catholic Colleges) back in the under-15s.” You could see how talented he was even then.
It is encouraging to witness him overcome all of his hardships. I can’t wait to verse him once more. He is quite energetic.”
Brisbane defeated the Storm 26-0 in the semi-finals last year, ending a 14-game losing streak, but they haven’t triumphed over them in Melbourne for eight years.
Since its founding in 1998, Melbourne has won 40 of the 55 matches, with one being a draw.
According to Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi, “you have to say we are traditional rivals because when the club was formed in 1998 it was started by John Ribot, Glenn Lazarus, and Chris Johns, so it had that Broncos element from day one.”
“Obviously, our coach Craig Bellamy was a Bronco, and we had a number of Queensland players for many years, including the big three of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, and Billy Slater (Slater).
“A few of them were avid Broncos fans growing up. Another one now is Cameron Munster.”
When Ben Te Kura (205 cm) makes his NRL debut for Brisbane, he will become the tallest player in the competition. Meanwhile, Christian Welch (concussion), Jahrome Hughes (suspension), and Munster (groin)—three important players—will be returning to Melbourne.
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