Kevin Walters, the coach of the Brisbane Broncos, described the undermanned Penrith Panthers’ performance on Thursday as “really inspiring” as his team defeated the Cowboys despite missing a star trio.
At Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos defeated their Queensland rivals 38–12, with Adam Reynolds’s return serving as a catalyst for the much-needed win in the rainy weather.
Superstar Reece Walsh suffered a facial fracture during last week’s loss to the Panthers, forcing Walters to play without him for the first time this season. Walsh joined Brendan Piakura and Payne Haas in the Red Hill casualty ward.
To gain the victory, the Broncos, on the other hand, pulled up their sleeves and didn’t let up, scoring three tries in each half.
It came after Penrith produced a similar performance, defeating the Roosters, who were led by barnstorming forwards James Fisher-Harris and Scott Sorensen, and halfback Nathan Cleary, who was considered a lucky charm.
Walters was thrilled with the Panthers’ performance and thrilled that his team had learned from their premiership opponents by playing the Cowboys.
“Penrith and their mindset about everything really inspired me last night,” Walters stated in his press conference following the game.
When asked specifically what about Penrith’s performance “inspired” coach Todd Bowles of the Broncos, the head coach disclosed that it was the way the reigning champions overcame great hardship to get a pivotal victory.
“They simply rolled Penrith out, and they had some of their key players not playing,” Walters claimed.
“The team has experienced some disruptions, but we defeated the Broncos tonight.”
“That’s the Broncos, regardless of who was playing or wearing the shirts. It’s what makes me the happiest.
