Michael Maguire defends Reece Walsh's performance after upset loss to Eels

Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire shielded Reece Walsh from criticism following an error-riddled performance in the loss to the Eels on Friday night.

Walsh almost grabbed the match-winning try but was ruled offside as the star fullback had a tough night, with mistakes costing him and the Broncos dearly.

He had 147 run metres, a try assist but finished with three errors in an inconsistent display.

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"I think that is for all of us, he is going through exactly the same as what we just spoke about, playing the longer game," Maguire said.

"It's about making choices, so we will review and go through that.

"Reece has been spectacular for us at times and he had a bit of a tough night in some of the periods in his game, so we just need to be thorough in that and how we go about our roles and the captain will steer that well.

"Over the last period we have captured the things that we want to be, but we need to do it for longer periods of time."

Broncos skipper Adam Renolds denied the team's attack lacks cohesion, amid suggestions playmakers were getting in each other's way.

"No I think the spine generally moves like that anyway, so there is different parts of the game where he will get more involved and it just depends on how the game is going I suppose," Reynolds said.

"We all love what Walshy brings. He is an excitement machine and he is a big part of our team and he is a big reason why we are where we are.

"You don't want to take that away from him, but it is my responsibility to calm him down at times when he gets a bit sideways."

Maguire denied Payne Haas will be in doubt for next week's game after leaving the field with an ankle problem, and pointed to his team playing a "cute" style of football.

"It's disappointing, they played the long game and we didn't," Maguire said.

"We tried to be cute, didn't build pressure and they did.

"We've got to be better at that. That's the game. They were better than us in that department.

"We need to be more consistent. We've played periods but need to be able to do that longer.

"They turned up for a long game, kicked to corners and played the simple things well and we didn't handle it."

The Broncos' top four hopes are in danger after loss. They need three wins from their remaining six matches to be assured of a top eight spot.