- Reece Walsh says Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i is a “class human being”
- Sua’ali’i apologised to Walsh for his high shot after Origin 3
- Walsh was crushed by the Roosters star early in Origin 1
Reece Walsh says Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i has proven himself to be a “class human being” by seeking him out for an on-field apology after State of Origin III.
Speaking on Origin for the first time since Queensland’s series loss, Walsh admitted he was disappointed with his own end to the Maroons’ campaign.
But there was an emotional moment at the end of Origin III when Sua’ali’i made an effort to meet the Queensland fullback for his high kick in Sydney.
A video captured Sua’ali’i approaching Walsh and speaking to his young daughter, as he apologised to the Maroons’ No.1 for the shot that brought him down in Origin 1, leading to a four-game suspension.
“He’s a class player and a class human being,” Walsh said.
“He just came to check on me and wished me all the best for the rest of the year. The same as I wished him.
“He’s an amazing guy. It’s football. You want to go out there and make your state proud, and you and your family proud. Things happen.”
Sua’ali’i’s shot on Walsh sparked the series into life and sparked clear animosity between the two sides, with tensions flaring again in Origin III.
Reece Walsh was crushed by Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i’s hit in Origin I
Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i was sent off and given a four-match suspension for the incident.
But the man himself said he never had any problems with Sua’ali’i.
“All the media outlets are blowing things up. I understand that’s their job,” Walsh said.
“But at the end of the day we’re two young men going out to play football and wanting to make an impact on our team.”
Walsh declined to elaborate on comments by Maroons coach Billy Slater, who claimed after Origin III that the Blues had again hit the fullback to get him off the ball.
But he was the first to admit that he wasn’t happy with how the series turned out for him.
The 22-year-old’s performances were publicly questioned following Queensland’s series defeat, with the game’s most electrifying fullback having broken the line just once in the last two games.
He bounced back in style for his club Brisbane on Saturday night, breaking the line at will, scoring a try and assisting two others in his best game in months against Newcastle.
“I don’t read too many comments. I know my game,” Walsh said.
Walsh says Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i has shown himself to be a “class human being”
“Obviously, I was a little disappointed with some things. I just have to keep my head down, keep working hard and do my best.”
Saturday’s win over Newcastle has given Brisbane hope of reviving their season, with Adam Reynolds back in form and helping to unlock the Broncos’ dangerous backline.
Last year’s grand finalists will likely need to win six of their last seven matches to secure a place in the last eight, with big games ahead against Canterbury, the Dolphins, North Queensland and Melbourne.
“Of course (there are still beliefs), but the period of origin is over,” Walsh said.
“We have to come together as a group, because obviously the Origin period is quite tough. You’re in and out. You don’t see the lads too much.”