Reece Walsh reveals what Joseph Suaalii said during exchange with daughter after Origin 3
The NSW player sought out the Queensland fullback to offer an apology.
Reece Walsh has described Joseph Suaalii as a "class human being" after the Sydney Roosters player approached him after State of Origin 3 to apologise for the hit that knocked him out in Game 1. Suaalii was sent off in Origin 1 after his tackle on Walsh went horribly wrong, leaving the Queensland fullback concussed and ruling him out of the rest of the game.
Walsh managed to play the rest of the series, but didn't have his usual impact as Queensland lost their first series since 2021. As for Suaalii, he never got back in the NSW side after copping a four-game suspension, with coach Michael Maguire opting for Bradman Best in Game 3.
Suaalii was part of the NSW squad for the Origin decider, but not in the playing 17. He was therefore in attendance at Suncorp Stadium when the Blues prevailed 14-4, and was on hand to celebrate with his teammates.
It meant he was also on hand to apologise to Walsh after the game, with the NRL's social media team capturing the moment he approached the Maroons fullback and his daughter to say sorry. As the video shows, Suaalii and Walsh shared a classy exchange in which they chatted and hugged it out. Suaalii also shared a cute exchange with Walsh's daughter Leila.
"He's a class player and a class human being," Walsh said on Monday, according to AAP. "He just came in to see how I was doing and wished me all the best for the rest of the year. As I did to him. He is an awesome bloke. It's footy. You want to go out and do your state proud and do yourself and your family proud. Things happen."
Suaalii's high shot on Walsh ignited the series and sparked an ugly war-of-words between members of the NSW and Queensland camps. But Walsh says he never had any animosity towards his NSW rival.
"Everyone in the media is blowing stuff up. I understand that is the job," Walsh said. "But at the end of the day we're two young men going out there playing footy, wanting to make an impact for their team."
Reece Walsh confident Broncos can still make NRL finals
The 21-year-old copped plenty of criticism for his performances in the second and third games, after he failed to spark the timid Maroons attack. But Walsh reckons he blocked out the noise and was able to remain focused.
"I don't read too many comments. I know my game," he said. "Obviously I was a bit disappointed with some things there. I just have to keep my head down, keep working hard and keep giving my best effort."
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The gun fullback bounced back to his best in Brisbane's win over Newcastle last weekend, which kept the Broncos' finals hopes alive. Walsh scored a try and had two assists while running for 174 metres in the 30-14 victory.
With veteran halfback Adam Reynolds back on deck, Walsh reckons the Broncos can march into the finals. Last year's grand finalists will likely need to win six of their last seven games to lock in a spot in the top eight, with big games to come against the Bulldogs, Dolphins, Cowboys and Storm.
"Of course (there is still belief). Origin period is over," Walsh said. "We just have to come together as a group, because obviously the Origin period is pretty tough. You're in and out. You don't see the boys too much."
with AAP
