Incumbent Kangaroos fullback James Tedesco has handed Reece Walsh a brutal wake up call after the Roosters No.1 put in his best display of the year in the 40-18 thrashing. The Roosters continue to deliver blockbuster displays in the NRL having followed up their drubbing of the Dragons to put 40 points past the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.
And the battle of the Origin fullbacks was in full display with veteran Tedesco outshining Walsh after the Broncos No.1 had a game to forget on the big stage. Walsh is all but certain to retain his fullback position for the Maroons this year – with Tedesco fighting to keep his jersey – but in one of the biggest NRL games this year the youngster made four errors and looked rushed as he tried to force his hand.
Walsh is arguably the most electric attacking fullback in the game at only 21 years old. He has scored eight tries in seven games this year and was at his best last week. But his game has always produced a number of errors as he plays at breathtaking speed. And unfortunately for the Broncos, Walsh attempted to push the action too much against the Roosters when they were trying to get back into the game.
With the Broncos trailing, Walsh tried to push the pass a few times and one moment saw the fullback lose the ball as he was tackled. The Roosters scooped up the ball and after Joseph Suaalii made a break down the sideline he turned it back on the inside as Angus Crichton scored the first of his two tries.
