Reece Walsh has declared Adam Reynolds’ return can give him more space again at Brisbane, after returning to close to his damaging best against Newcastle.
Walsh put the disappointment of State of Origin behind him on Saturday night, scoring a try and setting up two others in the Broncos’ 30-14 win.
The fullback looked as dangerous as he has in months as he targeted the Knights on both edges.
Walsh’s best performance since mid-May coincided with Reynolds’ return from a biceps rupture, with the halfback his typical clinical self for Brisbane.
In doing so, he and Reynolds helped breathe life back into the Broncos’ season, ending a run of six straight defeats and showing they can still be a legitimate threat.
“Reyno is a class player, and there is a reason why he is the captain of our club,” Walsh said.
“It was good to have him back tonight, freeing up a bit of space for me and Ez, and playing what we see.
“His kicking game helps a lot. We were probably still a bit rusty there with some things and some calls.
“But it has been a long 12 weeks without Reyno, so it was good to have him back.”
Broncos coach Walters also believes it is no coincidence that Walsh returned to his best with Reynolds back in the side.
“Sometimes that’s as simple as it is. They are two of our best players, and they are back playing together, they are good together,” Walters said.
“Adam and Reece have got a really unique combination that only those two (get). They just know what each other is doing.
“Adam with his style of play and the way he plays, really suits Reece and his style of play. Together they are very dynamic.”
Reynolds’ return couldn’t have come at a more vital time for last year’s runners-up, who need as many as six wins from of their last seven games to make the finals.
Walters said the news of Reynolds’ return made him the happiest he had been in a long while, with the club previously winless since May 17 and entering the round in 13th.
But regardless, Reynolds said he had not rushed back and was at full fitness again.
“I wouldn’t have been out there if I didn’t think I could play 80 minutes and be strong enough,” he said.
“Last Sunday I was no chance. I did a bit of contact work on Monday with Josh McGuire.
“I got thrown around by him and tried to wrestle. I got a bit of confidence out of that.
“I talked to the physios about being named in the extended squad. I was just excited to be back there with the team.”
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