- Reece Walsh takes aim at Shane Flanagan
- Broncos beat the Bulldogs 30-14 in trial
Broncos star Reece Walsh has fired a cheeky jab at rival coach Shane Flanagan during his post-match interview following his side’s impressive win over the Bulldogs in Redcliffe.
Brisbane confirmed their early NRL premiership credentials with a 30-14 trial win over Canterbury, while injuries to several players have been confirmed as minor.
Fullback Walsh was on the bench with ice on his right knee after halftime at Kayo Stadium in Redcliffe on Saturday, but the early word from the Broncos was that it was not serious.
Walsh was asked about teammate Ben Hunt after the match and the youngster mentioned that Hunt had ‘bad habits in his game’.
The remark appeared to be an obvious reference to comments Flanagan had made about Hunt recently.
‘He’s (Hunt) a world-class player. He’s still got some bad habits in his game but we’re working on that,’ Walsh told Fox League’s Jake Duke.
Reece Walsh fired a cheeky jab at rival coach Shane Flanagan during his post-match interview
Coach Flanagan suggested that Hunt has a few ‘bad habits’ in his game during an interview
‘Seeing him happy, back in the Broncs jersey, I was watching him when I was a kid. It’s a pinch-me moment.’
Hunt had a messy split from the Dragons – and Flanagan – after playing one season.
Hunt, who had an excellent match against the Bulldogs, chose not to return fire when questioned about Flanagan’s remarks.
‘You’re digging for something there. I’ll let that one go to the keeper,’ Hunt said.
Hunt had a hand in all three first-half tries, before coach Michael Maguire rested his big guns after the break.
Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey had an unhappy afternoon, with two spilled bombs leading to tries.
Half Toby Sexton and second-rower Jacob Preston were strong, but Canterbury were sloppy with and without the ball.
The influence of Hunt was on show early, with a deft kick that was bobbled by Arthars over the tryline.
Ben Hunt had an excellent game for the Broncos against the Bulldogs
Brisbane opened the scoring with a try to skipper Adam Reynolds, who picked up the scraps after a precision bomb by Hunt was dropped by Tracey.
Hunt was influential in the second try, holding up a pass that was burst on to by Walsh, who showed composure to send Arthars over.
Hunt sent half Jock Madden into space for winger Selwyn Cobbo to finish and give the Broncos a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Another Tracey error gifted Broncos centre Delouise Hoeter a try after the break.
A 60m burst from dummy-half by Preston for a cracking try lifted the Bulldogs, who added a second to winger Ratu Rinakama after slick work from five-eighth Matt Burton.
Bulldogs winger Blake Wilson reduced the lead to four, before Brisbane centre Deine Mariner and giant prop Ben Te Kura scored to ice the win.
Canterbury forward Josh Curran was put on report and sin-binned for a high shot on Jack Gosiewski.
