- The fullback was injured several times in the Origin decider
- Queensland lost the instant classic 14-4 on home court
- Slater was not happy with the way the match was evaluated
Reece Walsh continues to be hit illegally off the ball and Queensland coach Billy Slater says match officials will have to review how they handled it during the State of Origin series.
Slater was speaking after the 14-4 defeat in the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium, where he said fullback Walsh was again attacked off the ball.
Brisbane’s number one, 22, had ice packs on his back, side and other parts of his body in the dressing room after a match in which he was brave in making 153 metres in 20 runs but was physically battered.
Walsh was injured several times during the match, including an incident that left him clutching his lower back in agony, but he soldiered on.
“I think he was certainly taking a lot of hits without the ball,” Slater said.
Slater was asked if there was a persistent problem with Walsh being targeted in a similar manner throughout the series and how the match officials handled it.
He suffered a concussion just seven minutes into the Maroons’ 38-10 win in Game 1 after a late, high shot from New South Wales centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii led to him being sent off.
“They will analyse their own game. I’m sure they will take that into account,” Slater said of the match officials.
Pictured here, Walsh clutches his back after suffering severe pain in New South Wales during Wednesday night’s series decider.
The star fullback (pictured with daughter Leila after the Game 3 loss) was also ruled out of Game 1 for a shocking illegal hit.
“Like I said, I think he got a little knocked off the field. It’s State of Origin. I know what it’s like and I understand what he’s going through. It’s just the way it is.”
Maroons captain Daly Cherry-Evans agreed with Slater’s view.
“Billy can speak from experience. He has a good insight into what’s going on at Origen level, so if he says something is going on, it’s probably worth a look,” he said.
“I’ve been through the same thing as Reece. You go through periods where the opposition tries to find ways to stop you.
“Knowing the person he is, he has a work ethic and the ability to excel. I have a lot of confidence in Reece Walsh.
Maroons coach Billy Slater wants NRL to investigate
“I feel like his series this year, like (his) second year in (Origin), is where you have to find different ways to beat an opponent.”
Maroons right-back Kalyn Ponga, who plays for Newcastle, said he understood why Walsh was targeting him.
“He’s probably a complement to him. They’re trying to get him out of the game because he’s so good,” Ponga said.
“You can’t do it illegally these days. He’s obviously a threat and someone who’s being identified, but he’s a tough, tough guy.”
