Brisbane coach Michael Maguire chose to focus on the positive aspects of Reece Walsh’s performance in the win over North Queensland after the Broncos No.1’s mixed night.

Walsh was put on report for a shoulder charge on Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi and made five errors but also set up winger Jesse Arthars for a try and had a pivotal 40/20 kick in the first half that led to a try.

The Broncos fullback had a tough outing the week before also, committing four errors in the loss to Canberra.

However, Maguire said he was more impressed with Walsh’s defence in a very physical local derby against the Cowboys.

“We had a strong defensive line and that comes from what Reece does out the back. There is 50/50 in the game – defence and attack – and I thought Reece was excellent defensively,” Maguire said.

“The other side of the game will come. You could see him rallying the boys around. You don’t defend like we did if you don’t have a fullback rallying his troops. I was pleased with that.”

Even though Walsh’s game was riddled with mistakes, that did not stop him from chasing the action with 23 runs against the Cowboys for 137 metres. And that’s exactly what he needs to do, according to Maguire.

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“I have had players like Reece who go through little periods in their careers and it helps define who you are. It makes you a better player,” Maguire added.

“He probably doesn’t feel that at the moment but one thing I do know is that he will be better for it when he keeps working his way through it. He has got a good supportive team around him. Reece will be right.”

Captain Adam Reynolds echoed those sentiments as the Broncos look ahead to their match against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

“We continually work hard at our craft at training. It will turn but I thought he was good tonight,”: Reynolds said.

“He ran the ball strongly into the line. He organised the defence and scrambled across to save tries.

“We nitpick at the little mistakes that he makes but there are a lot of great things he is doing as well.”