Why the Brisbane Broncos’ 205cm try-scoring debutant Ben Te Kura is ready for the NRL and Melbourne Storm

“He’ll be fine, we have a lot of faith and confidence [in him]. It’s been three years he’s been in our system, and I feel he’s maturing enough now to be ready to handle the NRL and what it provides.

“We just want him to be himself and do what he’s been doing here at training every week – running hard, making his tackles and being a good team man.”

As the Broncos completed their Captain’s Run on Wednesday morning, a packed-out Red Hill training base brimming with fans on school holidays witnessed one of the most promising recent signs given the club’s injury crisis. 

While he did not take part in any contact, star fullback Walsh was seen running on the sidelines for the duration of the session – sweat drenching him, but not detering him.

The facial fracture Walsh suffered in the early stages of the Panthers’ defeat a fortnight ago was expected to keep him out for up to six weeks. But the fact he has not required surgery has him hopeful of a round six return against the Dolphins.

But Walters said his marquee man would not be rushed back if he was not ready, particularly given the standout performances of Tristan Sailor in the No.1 jumper.

“When Reece is ready he’ll play again, and that’s not really up to me, that’ll be up to our medical staff and Reece to come up with that decision,” he said.

“But as soon as he’s ready obviously he’ll come back into the side.

“[Sailor’s] been very good for us, a very smart footballer – different to Reece, he brings a different mentality, but particularly with our defence I think he’s really made that a lot better last week, and he’ll have to be good there with his organisation.”