Broncos coach Kevin Walters reveals the devastating effects of Origin hit on Reece Walsh as he explodes over ban handed to Joseph Sua’ali’i

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has called on the NRL to do more to protect star fullback Reece Walsh, saying a four-match ban for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i is not enough of a deterrent to stop other players from doing his best. player.

Walsh was taken out inside the first eight minutes of the State of Origin opener when the Blues rookie jammed off the line and hit him high and late.

Sua’ali’i was sent off and suspended for four games, but Walters says while the incident was well controlled on the field, he wants the NRL to take tougher action against offenders after Walsh suffered his second serious injury this season .

The flashy full-back suffered a facial fracture during the grand final rematch earlier this year when Taylan May raced out of line and collided with the speedster, with the Panthers center avoiding a ban as the tackle had gone wrong.

“That’s the second time it’s happened, and four weeks isn’t enough for me,” said an excited Walters.

Walsh was taken out inside the first eight minutes of the State of Origin opener (pictured) when the Blues rookie center came out of line and hit him high and late.

‘I have to support our player. That’s twice now, and the first time the sin wasn’t even thrown away or suspended.

“We want our great players to play. It’s not about toughness. Reece is as strong as any other player in the game.

‘Four weeks to preen a guy like he did is not enough.

“The NRL needs to protect him, that’s who needs to protect him, and be tougher on the suspensions.”

Walsh will miss Brisbane’s next two NRL matches after displaying Category 1 concussion symptoms on Wednesday evening.

Walters confirmed his other Origin representatives would be right to face the Sharks but did not accuse the Blues of deliberately going after Walsh, who was also tackled late on by Liam Martin as he delivered an early kick.

“It’s not right for me to try to feel what their plan was, but I saw what their actions were and that was the first block play of the game. You make your own mind,” he said.

There are suggestions that the Blues had a plan to deliberately go after Reece Walsh

NSW Blues’ Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i is sent off by referee Ashley Klein

‘Teams have been focusing on the better players for a long time, but I simply do not agree with the suspension.

‘A four-week ban won’t stop another player from coming out the next time Reece plays and trying to get his head out again.’

Tristan Sailor will replace Walsh at fullback for Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday after recovering earlier than expected from an ankle injury.