Adam Reynolds says Reece Walsh will stay strong despite Raiders' physical targeting in finals.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has confidently stated that Reece Walsh will remain unfazed if the Raiders decide to target him during Sunday's NRL qualifying final. Walsh's performance will be crucial for Brisbane as they face the minor premiers in Canberra, and Raiders captain Joe Tapine has made it clear that his team intends to assert their physical presence.
At a media event for the finals series launch on Monday, Tapine cheekily mentioned his desire to replicate a famous hit he delivered on Walsh two years ago. The Raiders' forward pack has a history of physical play against Walsh, highlighted by Tapine smashing the star fullback late in a 2023 game.
In that instance, Walsh was attempting to run down the clock and was unprepared for a substantial hit, which Tapine executed. The tackle became a topic of debate in the NRL community, with opinions divided on whether it was a dirty move. However, Walsh himself considered it part of the game and took no offense. Tapine remarked on Monday that he would not hesitate to make a similar tackle again.