‘I would pull myself out’: Reece Walsh won’t be put off by Blues tactics as he clears the air with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for ugly high shot
As Blues players doubled down on their threat to go after Reece Walsh again in game two, the Maroons superstar confirmed on Tuesday that he had smoothed things over with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii after the NSW rookie knocked him out of the series opener with a vicious high shot.
The incident in the opening eight minutes has lit the fuse for a fiery game in Melbourne, with Suaalii copping a four-game ban for the high and late shot as he jammed in to pressure the electrifying fullback.
A lot has been said from people on both sides of the border, but Walsh has moved on and is champing at the bit to get back on the field after he was forced to sit out two club games under the NRL’s concussion protocols.
Reece Walsh and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have cleared the air after the sickening collision in game one. NRL Photos / Brett Costello Credit: Supplied
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW
“That’s footy. It is what comes with the sport,” Walsh said.
“He sent me a nice message and I sent him a nice one back, too. At the end of the day, you want to represent your state with pride and do whatever you can for your team. Things happen.”
The Blues have vowed to target Walsh again at the MCG, but the young gun isn’t fazed by what might come his way as the Maroons look to wrap up the series with a game to spare.
Walsh was mobbed by fans in Toowoomba on Tuesday. Adam Head Credit: News Corp Australia
“If I had any doubts or was scared I wouldn’t pull on the Queensland jersey,” Walsh said, having been tackled in the air while putting up a clearing kick in the first few minutes in Sydney.
“I know how much it means to the people of Queensland and past players. They need a team that is willing to put their body on the line and do whatever for their state. If I was scared or shy in any way I would pull myself out.
“I knew I had the protocols to go through and there was a bit of persuading with Bill (Queensland coach Billy Slater) to get my job back because ‘Hammer’ killed it.
“That was a bit tough but I just had to tick all the boxes. I am grateful for Bill giving me the opportunity.”
Walsh has developed into the most captivating player in the world right now, with the Broncos star excited to combine with speed machine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who replaced him at fullback and tormented the Blues with a hat-trick of tries.
“Hammer is phenomenal with what he brings to a footy team,‘ Walsh said.
“You can’t coach speed and it is hard to go up against speed. I am just glad he is in my team and I can use his skills and back him up. I know he is going to do the same for me.”