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A new talent of NRL, Reece Walsh, led the Brisbane Broncos to an unlikely title victory on game day in Sydney, assisting orchestrate one more 10-point rally in a legendary solo grand final performances that made the Melbourne Storm helpless in a close-fought upset.

Outstanding Performance by the Fullback

The No. 1 delivered a barnstorming score, multiple assists, three tackles – including a vital effort in the last seconds – and a unstoppable confidence on the night he rose to the top of the league. The Broncos lost important players to harm in the latter period, but it was irrelevant, as Reece and the resolute defence of his colleagues secured his franchise’s maiden championship in 19 years.

“Incredible, what a journey,” Walsh said immediately after the end. “A lot of people doubted us in 2025, but you’re the only ones who trusted us. We love yous.”

Decisive Plays

• Walsh evaded a closing defender to pass to the winger over just two minutes in.
• At the final minute, Walsh gambled by targeting the Storm fullback and tackled him with a hit.
• The team fought back from a 22-12 lead from the opposition in the middle of the opening period.

Team Performance

Lock the lock said it was a credit to the full roster. “Coming down, injuring key players, we all know the storylines of the previous rounds, so for the players to step up, how good,” he said, noting that the coach gave them assurance in his interval address. “His message was focus on tackling. Fortunately we’ve had similar situations the last two weeks, we knew that if we could play our game, we had the ability.”

Opposition Performance

Yet the standard of their opponents showed itself. Standout was Jahrome Hughes, who evaded past defenders and under the posts to regain the Storm’s two-score advantage just before the break. He set up another with a precise kick, and was a constant menace, with his kicking game – to winger Xavier Coates especially – giving the Broncos ongoing grief.

Historic Impact

But so outstanding was Reece’s input, coming from behind once more won’t be the main reason the grand final is recalled. During this top-level grand final, the two teams executed a combined excellent sets in the opening period. Yet there was one moment that shone brightest. A swift Broncos ruck from the line brought the fullback from the backfield, and he called for a quick pass from playmaker. Combining speed and skill, he weaved and dashed his way under the posts, beating multiple opponents in his wake.

“Phenomenal player,” stated a fellow player, that made amends a decade after his knock-on in the earlier championship.

He continued. His stunning effort continued in the later period, when he set up scores to reel in the opposition then placed the his team leading. He denied a probable rival player score by contacting the player’s grip when he was placing the ball, and he caught the opponent again when he got away.

The Broncos, subsequent to late rallies in matches with the Raiders and the Panthers in the postseason previously, this was a incredible third comeback of 10 points or more, cementing their status as unyielding winners.