Brisbane coach Kevin Walters expects fullback Reece Walsh to let his football do the talking when he returns from a three-week suspension against South Sydney at Kawana on Friday night.
A sellout crowd of about 9000 is set to watch the blockbuster game at Sunshine Coast Stadium (kick-off at 8pm), between two teams billed as premiership contenders.
Any talking to on-field officials will be left to captain Adam Reynolds, a fact that Walsh has taken on board after he was suspended for contrary conduct in the 16-12 loss to the Gold Coast when a foul-mouthed rant at the end of the match landed him in hot water with the NRL judiciary.
Walsh is one of the most competitive players that Walters has coached but the Broncos are confident that incidents such as his running battle with referee Chris Butler in the Titans clash are a thing of the past.
“We’ve had our chats but it was just a heat of the moment thing with Reece and we’ll work on that with him,” Walters told AAP ahead of the big game.
“He wants to win and win at all costs, and that is a great attitude that he does have.
“It is the type of competitive person that he is, but he just has to be respectful of those adjudicating the game and to his players as well.”
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stellar year and Walters said his return would be a huge boost against the Rabbitohs as the Broncos aim to finish the season in the vital top four.
“It is a great inclusion for us. Walshy has been tremendous for us all year and we expect him to finish off the season strongly,” he said.
Key forwards Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas are on track to return from injury in a huge boost for the team.
Queensland lock Carrigan (calf tightness) was rested from Saturday’s 44-24 win over Canterbury, while NSW prop Haas (ankle tendon inflammation) has been on the sidelines since round 18.
Maroons forward Tom Flegler, out of action since round 17, still has to get through the week as he rehabilitates from a foot injury.
“Patty is on track to play against Souths and Payne will be fine,” Walters told AAP ahead of Friday night’s clash.
“Flegler we will have to monitor. We will see how the week goes because he is not over the line just yet.”
Meanwhile, South Sydney great Craig Coleman said he hasn’t seen Reynolds in better touch as the Bronco prepares to face his former club.
The 33-year-old Reynolds won the 2014 premiership with the Rabbitohs and will play his old club at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Friday night after a man-of-the-match display in Saturday’s 44-24 win over Canterbury.
Reynolds’ season statistics make compelling reading. He has 15 try assists and is on track to beat his season-best record of 19, achieved last year at the Broncos and in 2013 at Souths.
“It was masterclass on Saturday against Canterbury. It was a pleasure to watch him. He had them mesmerised,” former Rabbitohs half Coleman said.
“Adam is playing better than he’s ever played, even when we won the comp in 2014. He is playing out of his skin and it is great to see.
“All those young Broncos are loving playing with him. They are jumping out of their skins.”
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