It is a statistic that will leave Broncos fans trembling with fear – Reece Walsh has never beaten the Panthers in the NRL.
The Cast Patrol revealed in an Instagram post the Brisbane fullback has come up short in seven games dating back to 2021.
The fixtures include Walsh’s time at the Warriors – and the 2023 Grand Final, where Nathan Cleary inspired Penrith to a dramatic, come from behind 26-24 victory.
In better news for nervous Broncos fans, since returning from his knee injury this season Walsh has been in sensational form.
He has won 10 of 12 matches, and his statistics include 10 tries, 17 try assists and 71 tackle breaks.
Walsh also virtually beat the Raiders on his own in what was a recent classic at GIO Stadium during the Qualifying Final.
Winger Deine Mariner feels Walsh’s biggest asset is his unpredictability.
‘That is his strength. He can do anything,’ Mariner said.
‘You never know what it is going to be, but when he does do it you just have to get on the back of it.’
It comes as rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis has outlined who the Broncos should fear most this weekend at Suncorp Stadium – Penrith enforcer Liam Martin.
‘He (Martin) is mad – and when he plays for NSW (in Origin) I absolutely f***ing despise him,’ Lewis told News Corp.
‘I watched him closely early this season when Penrith were bottom of the ladder and he had a go. I really like that.
‘He tried to lift everyone and he has. The position they are in now has a lot to do with him.’
Martin also appeared to injure his ribs and shoulder in Penrith’s impressive elimination semi-final win against the Bulldogs – but has assured fans he will play.
Utility Brad Schneider escaped with a fine following a cannonball style tackle on Canterbury backrower Sitili Tupouniua and will also be available for the preliminary final.
