Kevin Walters skillfully avoided a question about potential tensions arising in the upcoming match against the Sydney Roosters, reminiscent of Reece Walsh’s agile moves on the field. The Broncos celebrated the comeback of several key players during their dominant 34-10 victory over the Wests Tigers on Saturday night.
Payne Haas made a significant contribution by scoring a try, while Adam Reynolds was actively involved in various aspects of the game and received a warm reception from the large contingent of Broncos supporters at Campbelltown Stadium when he exited the field late due to cramps.
In the previous season opener, the Roosters emerged victorious against the Broncos, but the match was overshadowed by Spencer Leniu’s derogatory remarks towards Ezra Mam. Leniu remains suspended, and Mam, who sustained an injury, is also unlikely to participate in the upcoming rematch, as confirmed by Walters.
However, tensions escalated in the aftermath of that game in the US, and with a full stadium expected, emotions are anticipated to be running high during the encounter.
When questioned about his confidence in maintaining civility, Walters pointed out the expanded dimensions of the field, highlighting it as a strategic advantage for their team.
“These matchups against teams like the Roosters are significant for our club, their club, and for the sport overall. We’re eagerly anticipating it,” he added.
While the Roosters displayed a formidable offensive performance with a 60-point victory over the Dragons on Anzac Day, the Broncos had a more subdued outing against the Tigers, securing a win but not fully showcasing their potential.
Walsh and Reynolds demonstrated exceptional synergy and constantly threatened the opposition on the right side of the field. However, they missed opportunities to capitalize on scoring chances, a recurring issue for the team this season, which Walters acknowledges could be detrimental against stronger opponents.
In the midst of the game, Walsh experienced cramping, initially causing concern, but it turned out to be a minor issue.
“He experienced a range of discomforts tonight, including vomiting and cramps, but thankfully it was nothing serious. He’ll be ready for next week,” Walters reassured.
Reflecting on the match, Walters expressed a mixture of satisfaction and a desire for improvement, emphasizing the elevated expectations within the Broncos organization compared to previous years.
“We, as players and staff, have to ensure that we meet those expectations. I didn’t feel like we did that tonight,” Walters remarked.
Despite the loss, Tigers coach Benji Marshall found positives in facing last year’s grand finalists within a week’s span. However, he expressed concern over skipper Api Koroisau’s back spasms but remained optimistic about his availability for the next game against the Bulldogs.
“Although he’s dealing with some nerve pain and damage, he believes he’ll be ready for next week,” Marshall commented on Koroisau’s condition.
Stefano Utoikamanu faced scrutiny for a high tackle on Walsh, while Jahream Bula had an uncharacteristically below-par performance at the back. On the positive side, Solomon Alaimalo, a former Super Rugby player with the Chiefs, seamlessly fit into the left wing position.
Marshall praised the Broncos as the top team in the competition, emphasizing the impact of Reynolds’ addition to their squad.
“He controlled the game with his kicking tonight, made excellent decisions, and posed a significant offensive threat alongside Reece Walsh on the right side,” Marshall noted about his former Souths teammate.
