The Mole: Urgent Conversations Required Between Broncos Management and ‘Vulnerable’ Fullback Reece Walsh

With the State of Origin approaching, Hudson Young is currently enjoying an exceptional run of form in the premiership, making him a prime contender for selection by Blues coach Laurie Daley.

Young made history by becoming the first forward since the legendary Steve Menzies in the 1990s to achieve three consecutive try doubles, scoring twice on the Gold Coast last Sunday.

After the Titans raced ahead with a 16-0 lead, it was Young’s powerful running and strong tackles that reignited the Raiders’ hopes.

Once considered a hothead, Young has successfully channeled his aggression, and his impressive form is a pivotal factor in the Raiders’ ascent into the top four despite sceptics.

MOSES NAME STILL HAUNTING TIGERS

The double ‘Moses factor’ was always bound to spell trouble for the Tigers on Easter Monday.

Following Isaac Moses’ off-field controversies involving Lachlan Galvin, his nephew caused further distress for the joint venture during his return game.

It was a day where everything fell into place for the Eels, while the Tigers must now focus on salvaging their season.

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The Tigers are looking to regroup ahead of a crucial encounter against the formidable Sharks this Sunday.

Pressure is mounting on Benji Marshall, who must decide whether to reinstate Galvin following a tumultuous week.

Meanwhile, the Eels linger in last position but are just two wins shy of the eighth spot on a tightly packed ladder.

With Moses back in action as halfback and buoyed by a solid win, the Eels will be optimistic their season is far from over.

EDWARDS OUTSHINES TEDESCO

Dylan Edwards rose to the occasion against James Tedesco, proving he’s likely to be named the Blues’ fullback for the upcoming Origin I.

With the Panthers facing challenges since their Las Vegas outing, Edwards delivered a standout performance against the Roosters.

He outperformed Tedesco, who had been the standout fullback in the initial rounds, contributing to the resurgence of the four-time champions.

Edwards amassed 238 metres, exactly double Tedesco’s 119, proving to be sharper around the rucks.

‘HARD RESET’ FOR WALSH

A few weeks ago, I suggested that the Broncos sit down Reece Walsh for a chat about managing his play on the field.

Following a thrilling golden point loss to the Warriors on Saturday night, it’s evident that Walsh needs another heart-to-heart.

With Walsh sidelined for at least a month due to a knee injury, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to mentally reset.

His performance was subpar against the Warriors, particularly when he inadvertently handed them victory by kicking the golden point off the field.

Luke Metcalf successfully converted the following penalty from halfway, sealing the game.

This error is inexcusable for a player of Walsh’s calibre, and his dwindling confidence has taken yet another blow, which will take time to mend.

IMPRESSION MADE BY SHARKS REPLACEMENT

Mawene Hiroti is stepping up as an excellent replacement for the injured Kayal Iro in the Sharks’ backline.

While the 26-year-old centre may not be a regular starter when the Sharks are fully fit, he consistently performs his role by scoring crucial tries.

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A remarkable statistic: since the start of 2023, Hiroti has played five NRL games and scored in all of them.

He continued this trend during the impressive win against Newcastle, finding the try line as the Sharks dismantled the highly regarded Knights.

Hiroti will be out of contract at the end of the season, and rival clubs would certainly do well to consider this former Rabbitohs and NSW Residents player.

KATOA’S BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE

Tim Sheens, a coach with four premierships under his belt, has always believed that it takes at least 50 games for a playmaker to truly find their rhythm in the NRL.

This makes it fitting that in his 51st match, Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa delivered what can only be described as his finest performance to date, leading his side to an extraordinary 42-22 victory over the Storm on Good Friday.

Trailing 16-2, the Dolphins rallied to score 40 consecutive points, marking a historic low for the Storm.

Katoa excelled in this match, notably outshining reigning Dally M Medal champion Jahrome Hughes.

He notched up three try assists and consistently pressured the Storm with his astute kicking.

If he can maintain this level of performance, the Dolphins will surely be contenders for the finals.

PRESTON: A KEY PLAYER IN BULLDOGS’ SUCCESS

Jacob Preston is a considerable factor behind the Bulldogs’ impressive display in 2025.

The Bulldogs are currently unbeaten leaders in the NRL, and Preston plays a significant role in that achievement.

The relentless back-rower has participated in every minute of every game this season, always involved in play, both defensively and offensively.

Against Souths during the Good Friday clash, Preston recorded an astounding 41 tackles, exceeded 100 metres in runs, and scored a try.

Despite lacking representative honours and having fewer than 50 NRL games under his belt, he should be among the first names on Blues coach Laurie Daley’s list.

DRAGONS WINGER SLOAN ON TRACK FOR HIS BEST SEASON

Tyrell Sloan is one of those rare players who consistently finds the try line.

Having scored six tries in just five games this season, including three doubles, he is well on course for his best NRL season since debuting with the Dragons in 2021.

Last year, the Dapto Canaries junior managed 13 tries in a struggling Dragons squad, but now he is flourishing alongside new fullback Clint Gutherson.

Gutho’s experience allows Sloan to have the time and space he needs, enabling the agile winger to do the rest.

Sloan delivered an outstanding performance in the surprise victory over the Sea Eagles last Thursday night, making crucial contributions in both attack and defence.