The unlikely formula the Warriors need to make the eight
A shattered Reece Walsh had to be comforted by Brisbane players on Sunday night after a failed conversion from the teenager saw his New Zealand Warriors fall short 24-22, effectively ending their season.
When Euan Aitken was awarded a controversial try in the 77th minute, the Warriors needed Walsh to add the extras to keep their premiership chances afloat, but he was unable to do so, leaving the youngster in tears.
Walsh had a horror night with the boot, ending the game with just a 20 per cent conversion rate.
The 18-year-old would make a last-ditch attempt at a two-point field goal from 42 metres out with less than a minute to go, but the shot would drifted to the left.
The Warriors must now rely on the unlikely scenario of winning their final two games â€" against Canberra and Gold Coast â€" while also needing both the Titans and Cronulla to lose their final two matches.
Given their dire for and against, the Warriors cannot rely on just one win and will need four extra points for a chance to be a chance of making the eight.
Anthony Milford put on a vintage performance on Sunday night, in an effort which would have had Rabbitohs fans buzzing. Credit:Getty
The Broncos were eager to ditch any chance of the dreaded wooden spoon, with that desperation translating onto the paddock at Suncorp Stadium.
Anthony Milford put forward a vintage reminder of the quality player he remains, giving Rabbitohs fans a glimpse of what they have to look forward to next year.
It was a stirring comeback performance for Milford after a tough 2021 season which saw him regularly dropped to reserve grade by coach Kevin Walters.
Partnering well with Milford throughout, Xavier Coates ensured Broncos were in front from the start scoring back-to-back tries in the 21st and 25th minutes.
Marcelo Montoya would respond for the Warriors with a try at the 29th minute, but the first-half effort ended there. The Warriors headed into the sheds 12-4 at the break.
What coach Nathan Brown said to the squad during the break we will never know, but with the Warriors needing the win to keep their season alive, you can only imagine it would have been animated.
Whatever it was, it worked. Warriors winger Peta Hiku charged over the line just two minutes after the break.
The effort was backed up by Josh Curran who managed to spin through the defensive line to score in the 48th minute. Walsh finally managed to put the extras on for the first time in the match to put the Warriors ahead for the first time 14-12.
Albert Kelly hit back with a try at the 55th minute, before a four-pointer from Dallin Watene-Zelezniak to celebrate his 150th NRL appearance put the sides level 18-18.
Inside the final 10 minutes, Milford scored the try both teams were desperate to secure to put the Broncos six points clear with just seven minutes left.
The Warriors were given a saving grace - with Aitken handed a controversial try by the bunker in the 77th minute despite the footage seemingly showing Coates grounding the ball ahead of the Warrior.
The try gave the Warriors a conversion to level the scores, but Walsh was unable to make it 24-24.
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Sarah Keoghan is a journalist for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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