‘Not fair!’: Broncos ‘brilliance’ as enforcer’s superhuman effort seals thrilling derby win

A ruthless Reece Walsh masterclass kept Brisbane’s top four hopes alive after leading the Broncos to a dramatic 38-30 victory over the Cowboys.

The brilliant Broncos could not be contained by their northern rivals as Walsh created five linebreaks and two tries in an energetic but enigmatic performance in front of 22,903 fans in Townsville.

Brisbane threatened to blow the game wide open in the early stages but the Cowboys fought back into the arm-wrestle with grit and determination to take an unlikely lead in the first half.

FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer >

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

MATCH CENTRE: Cowboys vs Broncos teams, scores, videos, updates

Two tries just before the break put the visitors back in front and the Broncos didn’t look back as they barrelled down the home straight towards finals.

With the game still in the balance late in the contest, inspirational prop Payne Haas stormed over the line to put the result out of doubt, leaving a trail of battered and bruised Cowboys in his wake.

“Sit back and enjoy this, there is no other front rower on the planet that can do this,” Michael Ennis said.

“Boy that is individual brilliance from the man mountain Payne Haas, he has got it all. It’s not fair, it’s just not fair.

Brisbane’s win locks in a home final for the Broncos, with the team unable to finish any lower than sixth on the ladder.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire said Walsh’s standout performance was built off the work of his teammates.

“I think ‘Reecey’ especially, over the last couple of months, his maturity around his game has changed from when I first started,” Maguire said.

“A lot has always been talked about with Reecey, but I think it’s actually the way the team’s going about things, just playing for each other and doing the little things.

“I think that’s the most important part. We always talk about the effort, and if the team puts that in then individuals will find their way of playing at a higher level.”

PEACE FOR REECE

Walsh must be one of the most scrutinised players in the history of the game.

It’s no secret that the dazzling dynamo is the definition of a rocks and diamonds player, but fans should remember he’s only just turned 23.

Walsh had another strong showing in Townsville with a try, two try assists, five linebreak assists and ten broken tackles.

The superstar fullback is clearly a net positive for Brisbane, so maybe fans can give him some peace ahead of finals.

NAILBITERS NO LONGER

There was once a time when the Broncos and Cowboys playing each other was compulsory viewing for footy fans around the country.

Between 2015 and 2017, the arch rivals played six consecutive matches which were decided by less than a converted try – including four thrillers decided by just one point.

Those years are well behind us, with the past eight matches between the Queensland rivals decided by 12 or more points. Saturday’s match was the closest game between the two sides since May 8, 2021.

Brisbane’s latest win in Townsville was the club’s sixth consecutive win over the Cowboys, marking the longest winning streak in the head-to-head since 2010.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said Saturday’s result was a reflection of the 2025 season.

“That sort of sums up our year. The way we started and then a little period before halftime, a couple of big moments sort of went against us in that second half,” Payten said.

“We kept fighting but just not good enough, to be fair, across the full 80 minutes.

“That’s why we’re sitting watching TV for the next month.”

MILESTONE MISTAKES

Cowboys enforcer Jordan McLean had a nightmare start to his final NRL appearance, making a mistake on his first carry to hand possession to the Broncos deep in attack.

It didn’t take long for Brisbane to capitalise on its great field position with a try by Gehamat Shibasaki down North Queensland’s leaky left edge.

Five minutes later Braidon Burns was sin-binned for making late contact with Reece Walsh as the fullback kicked the ball and the Broncos punished the Cowboys with a quick try from powerful centre Kotoni Staggs.

Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter made a poor defensive attempt on the Staggs try, leaving a black mark on an otherwise reliable performance in the skipper’s 100th NRL appearance.

COWBOYS: 30 (S. Valemei (2), R. Robson, J. Clifford, B. Burns tries; S. Drinkwater (4) goals)

BRONCOS: 38 (G. Shibasaki (2), K. Staggs, J. Karapani, R. Walsh, B. Walters, P. Haas tries; R. Walsh (5) goals)

FOLLOW THE ACTION IN OUR LIVE BLOG BELOW. CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE.