Reece Walsh has been the spark behind Brisbane’s attack all season, but as the Broncos prepare for their blockbuster preliminary final, Penrith believe they’ve found the flaw in his game—and Nathan Cleary has the blueprint to exploit it.
Panthers spot a weakness
According to insiders, Cleary and the Panthers coaching staff have spent hours dissecting Walsh’s defensive reads, identifying a “glitch” in his decision-making under pressure. Video analysis has revealed that while Walsh excels with the ball in hand, his positioning and communication in the defensive line can leave space for opposition halves to target.
“It’s not about effort—he works hard,” one Panthers source said. “But when you isolate him or drag him into repeat decisions, he can be vulnerable. Nathan’s studied that closely.”
Cleary’s role as architect
As Penrith’s chief playmaker, Cleary is expected to direct traffic at Walsh, forcing him to make quick defensive calls. Whether it’s through angled runners, decoy plays, or targeted kicks in behind the line, the Panthers plan to test Walsh’s ability to handle sustained pressure.
Cleary has made a career out of identifying and exposing weaknesses in opposition structures, and Walsh’s relative inexperience in high-stakes defensive situations looms as a clear focus.
High risk, high reward
Walsh’s attacking brilliance has been Brisbane’s ace all season. His speed, vision, and ability to create tries from nothing make him one of the most dangerous players in the NRL. But Penrith believe the key to slowing the Broncos is to make Walsh uncomfortable on the other side of the ball.
“Everyone knows what he can do with the footy,” the source added. “But if you can tire him out, force him into tough spots, you limit his energy in attack.”
A grand final berth on the line
For Cleary, this preliminary final offers another chance to stamp his authority as the game’s premier halfback. For Walsh, it’s a test of resilience and growth under the brightest lights.
The Panthers’ strategy is clear: turn Brisbane’s biggest weapon into a liability. Whether Walsh can rise above the targeting and prove his defensive game is up to scratch could decide not just the match, but who earns a shot at the premiership.
