On Friday night, Anthony Seibold’s nightmare as Broncos coach continued as Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo led Brisbane to a 32-6 victory over Manly in front of 50,077 fans at Suncorp Stadium. Kevin Walters managed to coach his team to victory despite being unwell, leaving Seibold feeling crook in the guts.
Broncos win 32-6 over Manly, Raiders win 34-30 over Bulldogs. Scroll down to read the score highlights of the NRL Magic Round 2023.
During Seibold’s 20-month reign at Red Hill, the Broncos suffered their first-ever wooden spoon in 2020. His return to Suncorp Stadium for the first time since then turned into a stitch-up, with his former club rubbing salt into his wounds.
Manly, missing their inspirational player Jake Trbojevic, had a rough night as they stumbled to a 20-0 deficit at halftime.
At the same time, the Broncos, buoyed by the return of Payne Haas and Ezra Mam from suspension, looked revitalized. Walsh was electric, contributing 140 meters and 11 tackle busts, and Cobbo’s hat trick sealed the victory.
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Walsh, known as Reece Lightning, demonstrated his blistering speed off the mark, turning half-chances into genuine try-scoring moments for the Broncos. Although Slater may stick with Kalyn Ponga at fullback for Origin I, Walsh’s magical touches in Magic Round may make him a comforting safety net.
Cobbo, who has been patchy at times this season, sent Queensland coach Billy Slater a timely reminder of his class with another terrific treble. He has six tries in back-to-back Magic Round games against Manly, including last year’s sizzling hat-trick in Brisbane’s 38-0 win. If he stays fit, he could return to Maroon for the series opener on May 31.
In another game during Magic Round 2023, the Raiders defeated Canterbury 34-30. Corey Horsburgh helped lead the Raiders to victory and is inching toward the Maroons jersey he has long craved.
The firebrand was outstanding, prompting coach Ricky Stuart to describe him as the “form of his career.” Despite a late drama, where a referee error cost the Raiders a try, they held on to secure the win.
Meanwhile, bed-ridden Broncos coach Kevin Walters swiftly recovered from the flu and was on hand to coach his team against Anthony Seibold’s Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium. Walters had advised the club he would not attend the game, but Brisbane’s doctors cleared him after undergoing a new Covid test.
Experienced Broncos assistant John Cartwright was on standby to take his place. Walters’ recovery boosted the Broncos, who went on to win the game.
