Brisbane has remained undefeated in 2023, following a sensational 28-16 win over the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
Making his club debut, Reece Walsh was the star for the Broncos scoring the winning try and having a hand in three more in a memorable performance from the young fullback, who returns to the club after commencing his career at the Warriors.
The Queensland Derby was not without controversy however, hitting a flashpoint post halftime when Walsh for the third time in the match put his winger Corey Oates in some space. The blockbusting winger looked certain to score, when he was collected by a lazy shoulder by Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater. Oates failed to score, but left the field with a suspected broken jaw, while Drinkwater was sent to the Sin Bin.
Drinkwater's absence proved pivotal as the Broncos ran in two quick tries to grab the ascendency and go on with the match with a huge win for their season following their shock first round win over the Panthers last week.
North Queensland opened scoring following back-to-back penalties early in the match. It was 2022 Rookie of the Year, Jeremiah Nanai who touched down, running a superb line off a deft pass from halfback Chad Townsend. Valentine Holmes converted and it was 6-0 after as many minutes.
The Cowboys then extended their lead after 20 minutes, when back-to-back penalties saw Holmes with a gift penalty goal to extend the visitors lead to 8-0.
After a mountain of possession, the Broncos finally looked to have scored their first try, however Reece Walsh was ruled to have obstructed the Cowboys defenders in the lead up.
The Broncos didn't have to wait too long however, when Adam Reynolds put a neat kick behind the line for Kurt Capewell to score and open the home side's account. Reynolds converted and it was 8-6 nearing halftime.
New Broncos recruit Marty Taupau was then penalised for a hip drop tackle right in front of the posts. Holmes then added a second penalty goal to extend the lead to 10-6.
Brisbane however hit back on the stroke of halftime, when Walsh put his winger Corey Oates away down the left-hand side. The Queensland winger then kicked ahead for a flying Ezra Mam who scored an electric try to give the home side a share of the lead at the break.
Following the dramatic sequence of Drinkwater being sent to the Sin Bin and Oates leaving the field with a broken jaw, Walsh then came up with a classy kick for Kotoni Staggs to score to put his side in front. With the Cowboys a man down, Brisbane hit the accelerator with Ezra Mam scoring his second try after that man Walsh and Jesse Arthars (on as 18th man) combined for the Broncos number six to race away to score and all of the sudden it was the home side leading 20-10.
With ten minutes remaining Adam Reynolds took an easy two points to extend the lead to twelve, when Cowboys hooker Reece Robson was penalised for being accidently offside following an offload from Patrick Carrigan which touched a Cowboys hand.
North Queensland then threatened a boilover, when Chad Townsend produced a marvelous grubber behind the line and the usual suspect in Jeremiah Nanai scored his second try, for the Cowboys to trail by six with minutes remaining.
Brisbane then brought their home fans to their feet, when centre Herbie Farnworth made a bust and he found Man of the Match Reece Walsh, who scored under the posts to ice the game for the home side.
Brisbane return to Suncorp Stadium next Saturday where they host the Dragons. North Queensland meanwhile will look to bounce back when they return to Townsville to face the Warriors.