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Sport
Joel Gould

Walsh stars for Broncos in 24-all draw with Titans

Fullback Reece Walsh scored Brisbane's first try in the pre-season trial draw with Gold Coast. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Reece Walsh has hummed like a Ferrari in attack and his vocal defensive talk on the tryline stamped his worth as a fullback of class in Brisbane's 24-all draw with Gold Coast.

Titans captain and halfback Tanah Boyd was also outstanding.

Boyd showed why coach Justin Holbrook has entrusted him with the first shot at the No.7 jersey this year as he controlled play like a little general. He also landed four conversions from as many attempts and was the reason why the Titans fought back from a 24-6 deficit.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters would have been licking his lips watching Walsh save two tries in the opening quarter of the NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash on the Sunshine Coast in front of 4605 fans.

Defence is the area of Walsh's game that the coach wanted him to focus on, and he delivered. His communication was outstanding, as was his kicking game which secured a 40/20 early in the second half.

This was just the 20-year-old's second game in Broncos colours. He played a trial against Wynnum-Manly in early 2021, before linking with the Warriors for two seasons and then returning to Brisbane.

Each time Walsh touched the ball he was electric, running for 105m with two line breaks, six tackle breaks and a try before coming off with a minor head knock in the 55th minute.

His wizardry was on show in the fifth minute when his dazzling feet and speed bamboozled the Titans defence and he carried three defenders over the line with him.

A pinpoint Boyd bomb set up a try for impressive winger Jojo Fifita to level it at six-all.

Boyd controlled play with a masterful kicking game, but the Broncos skipped away to lead by 18 at halftime with new signing Marty Taupau in blockbusting form at prop.

Tristan Sailor, son of Broncos legend Wendell, conjured up the try of the night with a stunning cross-field kick on the run for winger Jordan Pereira to haul it in and score his second try after a Walsh break had led to his first.

The Titans roared back in the second half with winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring a double and Vaka Sikahele crossing for a try after the Broncos took their big guns Herbie Farnworth, Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas off the field.

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