- Fullback injured several times in decisive Origin match
- Queensland lost instant classic 14-4 on home turf
- Slater was not happy with the way the match was refereed
Reece Walsh continues to be illegally struck without the football. Queensland coach Billy Slater says match officials need to review how they handled the situation during the State of Origin series.
Slater was speaking after the 14-4 defeat in Origin’s deciding match at Suncorp Stadium, saying fullback Walsh was again being attacked without the ball.
Brisbane’s 22-year-old No.1 had ice packs on his back, side and other parts of his body in the dressing room after a game in which he bravely covered 153 metres from 20 runs, but he was still being physically abused.
Walsh was injured several times during the match, including one time when he clutched his lower back in pain, but he persevered.
“I think he took quite a few hits without the ball,” Slater said.
Slater was asked if there was a recurring issue with Walsh being attacked in a similar manner in the series and how the stewards dealt with it.
He suffered a concussion just seven minutes into the Maroons’ 38-10 win in the first game, after a late, high shot from NSW centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii saw him sent off.
“They’ll judge their own play. I’m sure they’ll look at that,” Slater said of the match officials.
Walsh is pictured clutching his back after being left in agony by a NSW hit during the series decider on Wednesday night
The star player (pictured with daughter Leila after the loss of the third match) was also knocked out of the field in the first match by a shocking illegal hit
“Like I said, I think he’s a little bit off his game. 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 sentiment.
“Billy can speak from experience. He has a good understanding of what’s happening at Origin level. If he says something is happening, it’s probably worth looking at,” he said.
‘I’ve been through exactly the same thing as Reece. You go through periods where the opposition are trying to figure out ways to stop you.
“If you know who he is, he has the work ethic and the ability to overcome it. I have so much confidence in Reece Walsh.
Maroons coach Billy Slater wants NRL to investigate
“I feel like his series this year, being his second year at (Origin), is a series where you have to find different ways to beat your opponent.”
Kalyn Ponga, a Maroons all-rounder and Newcastle fullback, said he understood why Walsh had his eye on him.
“It’s probably a complement to him. They’re trying to take him out of the game because he’s so good,” Ponga said.
“You can’t do it illegally these days. He’s clearly a threat and someone they identify, but he’s a tough little bastard.”