Broncos' Walsh to take 'chill pill', Gosiewski debuts

Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh is still learning at the top level, Broncos coach Kevin Walters says. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has told fullback Reece Walsh to take a "chill pill" and not try to overplay his hand too early in the away clash with Parramatta.

The dazzling No.1 turned in an error-riddled display in Friday's 40-18 loss to Sydney Roosters, along with flashes of brilliance.

"Walshy needs to take a chill pill and just relax himself and get himself into the game," Walters said.

"As the game develops and unfolds, that is when his skillset will come to the fore.

"Nothing happens overnight. (Players like Walsh) are young in the NRL and still learning about the game in different situations in games, with the scoreboard and time clock.

"Last week was a great learning experience for everyone."

The Broncos will give new signing Jack Gosiewski his club debut off the bench against the Eels on Friday night, and coach Kevin Walters said the former Cowboy's ability to cover the outside backs was why he was preferred to the electric Tristan Sailor.

Jack Gosiewski (centre) in training with the Broncos.
Jack Gosiewski (centre) will make his club debut for Brisbane against Parramatta.

Gosiewski, who got a mid-season release from North Queensland to join the Broncos, will play in the No.17 jersey with Sailor the 18th man.

"Jack brings versatility for us in the middle, back row and centres, which has been a problem area for us all season," Walters said.

"We seem to be losing wingers and centres. At one point last week we had no wingers on the field.

"Jack can cover that role in the centres for us and is a bit bigger body too. Parramatta are a big side.

"Jack is covering that Kurt Capewell role from last year - if we lost an outside back last year Kurt filled in and it was very smooth.

"We have (second-rowers) Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura who have played patches at centre, but we need to get more reps in them at training before we put them in that position in games unless we really have to."

Walters said he was trying to find ways of getting Sailor into the squad.

“The timing isn't quite right at the moment. Fullback is his main position but ... he is an important member of the squad,” the coach said.

Walters toyed with the option of playing Sailor at half to partner No.6 Ezra Mam in the wake of the long-term injury to captain Adam Reynolds but went with calm 27-year-old Josh Rogers who has been a star for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup

“Josh has been playing well at Queensland Cup level and we believe we needed to reward him,” Walters said.

“He has been great at training this week and defensively he is very good. He just has to kick to the corners and his job is done.

“Josh will be like Reyno and play a genuine No.7 role on both sides of the field."

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