- Reece Walsh has left the drama of the first Origin game
- Queensland star suffered concussion after sickening late tackle
- NSW center Joseph Sua’ali’i has since apologized for the hit.
Reece Walsh has vowed he will not be shy in the second game of the State of Origin series and revealed he has forgiven Joseph Sua’ali’i for the high shot that took him out of the first game.
The Maroons fullback was treated like a rock star by fans in Toowoomba on Tuesday, where he trained intensively ahead of Wednesday week’s clash with NSW at the MCG.
Walsh, 21, suffered a concussion in the seventh minute of Queensland’s 38-10 win in Sydney after a high shot by Suaalii, who was sent off by referee Ashley Klein.
Speaking for the first time about the incident, Walsh said he holds no grudge against the Blues centre-back, who was suspended for four weeks.
That’s football. It’s what comes with sports,” Walsh said.
Queensland Origin star Reece Walsh has revealed he has forgiven Joseph Sua’ali’i for the high kick that took him out of the first game (pictured) on June 5.
Sua’ali’i was sent off by referee Ashley Klein (pictured) in just the eighth minute of the first Origin match; He is currently also serving a four-match ban.
Speaking at a Queensland training session and fan day in Toowoomba, Walsh confirmed Sua’ali’i came forward to apologize after the incident.
‘He sent me a nice message and I sent him a nice one too. At the end of the day, you want to represent your state with pride and do everything you can for your team.
‘Things happen.’
Walsh plays with a bold, brash style and a lot of toughness. He said that wouldn’t change in the second game on June 26.
“If I had doubts or fear, I wouldn’t wear the Queensland jersey,” Walsh said.
‘I know how much it means to the people of Queensland and to the former players. They need a team that is willing to risk their bodies and do anything for their status. If I was afraid or timid in any way, I would get through it.’
Walsh missed two NRL games for Brisbane due to the mandatory 11-day concussion suspension, but said he was now feeling fine.
He was happy to be picked at full-back again by Billy Slater after Maroons center Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow switched to No.1 in Sydney and scored a hat-trick.
“I knew I had to follow the protocols and I had to do a little bit of persuading of Bill to get my job back because Hammer killed him,” Walsh said.
“It was a little difficult, but I had to meet all the requirements. I’m grateful Bill gave me the opportunity.”
Walsh and Tabuai-Fidow, who will return to center in Melbourne, intend to combine in attack in what is shaping up to be a deadly combination as Slater’s men look to wrap up the series.
“Hammer is phenomenal with what he brings to a football team,” Walsh said.
‘You can’t coach speed and it’s hard to compete against speed. I’m glad he’s on my team and I can use his skills and back him up. I know he’ll do the same for me.’
