LIVE NRL: Broncos legend’s warning as Warriors look to exploit Walsh’s ‘shortcomings’

Reece Walsh and the Broncos host Shaun Johnson and the Warriors in a preliminary final to decide who will meet the Panthers in the 2023 Grand Final.

Both sides are 1-17.

Broncos legend Ben Te’o believes the Warriors have a plan to nullify the brilliance of Walsh, who played the first 38 games of his NRL career for the Warriors.

“The danger man this year has been Reece Walsh, but I wouldn’t underestimate the fact the Warriors players know him very well,” Te’o said on Triple M.

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“They’ve trained against him for years, they understand what he can do. But they would’ve been on the field with him and noticed his shortcomings and I think one thing they probably shouldn’t do is rile him up because it seems like when he gets into those confrontations he grows and gets better from it.

“But I think they’ll have a plan on how they’re going to handle Reece Walsh.”

The Broncos have kept faith in the same 17 that got the job done in week one of the finals with Jesse Arthars on the wing and Corey Oates 18th man.

Meanwhile, veteran prop Marty Taupau has missed out on a spot in the 17, with Keenan Palasia and Brendan Piakura preferred on the pine.

For the Warriors Johnson is in no doubt after making a successful return from a calf injury in the semi-final win over the Knights.

Andrew Webster confirmed he will use the same 17 that got the job done last week with Josh Curran (dislocated finger) and Marata Niukore (knee) set to play despite picking up injuries against Newcastle.

The battle between Walsh and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at the back and halves Johnson and Adam Reynolds will go a long way towards deciding the result.

However, the victory will be built by which forward pack can get the upperhand with both teams boasting some imposing players with big engines.

The victor will prepare for a shot at lifting the trophy against the Panthers, while the losers will be preparing for Mad Monday and the 2024 season.

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TEAMS

Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia. 18th man: 18. Corey Oates

Players cut: 19. Martin Taupau 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jock Madden 22. Tristan Sailor

Warriors team: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris 14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran. 18th man: 20. Taine Tuaupiki