Reece Walsh is enjoying an incredible year and plenty of people have been quick to draw comparisons with – and praise – his Maroons coach Billy Slater.
But there’s another former star fullback who is playing an even more integral role – Broncos assistant coach Darius Boyd.
Darius has worked with Reece every week since the 21-year-old returned to Brisbane ahead of the 2023 season.
Almost every area of Reece’s game which has improved this season has been things that Darius was clinical at in his playing days – and some stuff he even pioneered.
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Darius revolutionised the out the back playing style from 2009 onwards, he perfected the three on two in attack, and it took the Dragons to a premiership.
Darius was also defence focused and his communication was second to none. Both are areas which Reece has developed significantly over the past six months.
But most of all it was Darius’ leadership which made him a Broncos great and the club is still reaping the rewards of it.
He’s a former captain who retired early for the betterment of the club, and in doing so would have left a significant amount of cash on the table.
Darius selflessly recognised it was his time to move on and that allowed the Broncos to kickstart their rebuild. Make no mistake, that money he walked away from has contributed to where the club is now.
It’s not just Reece who Darius has a profound impact on either, he has a super strong relationship with all of the outside backs and especially centres Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth.
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Darius won a premiership as an 18-year-old in 2006 so he understands the rise to superstardom in Brisbane and his influence cannot be understated.
Darius also played for Queensland and Australia and having him on the Kevin Walters’ coaching staff has been integral to their success this season.
Still on the Broncos, one of their unsung heroes who deserves a huge rap is Billy Walters.
Billy has become a genuine threat out of dummy-half and the Panthers will have to be cautious of him this Sunday.
He has become a genuine first-grader this season in the face of serious adversity. Not only is he the son of the coach and club legend, Billy’s had to overcome injuries and change positions to cement his spot.
Then when the lights were the brightest in the preliminary final on the weekend, he was close to the best player on the field.
All the talk is about how will Penrith stop Reece Walsh, well they’ll also need to keep their wits about at the ruck with Billy in complete control of his game at the moment.
Kevvie is doing a great job this season but his son has been equally impressive.
WHERE THE GRAND FINAL WILL BE WON?
This game will likely be won in the first half and on the edges.
As exciting as the Broncos were against the Warriors, if they give up three tries again in the opening 30 minutes – it will be game over.
There’s no better frontrunner in the NRL than the Penrith Panthers. They complete high and make you pay for errors by taking their opportunities.
If Brisbane gives them as many chances as they gave the Warriors, they could quickly find themselves down by too many.
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It’s concerning going into a grand final with a big question mark around your edge defence, especially when it comes to stopping tries on your goal line.
The Broncos are so fast they can scramble and save their own arse most of the time, but you can’t make up for mistakes on your goal line.
If Brisbane are able to get out to an early lead and put pressure on the Panthers, it’s going to push them into a position where they have to play outside their usual style – and that brings risk.
So it sounds simple, but whichever team nails their start and defends better off their own line will be crowned premiers.
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