Coach Kevin Walters expressed his anger, stating, “Four weeks for ironing a bloke out the way he did, that’s not enough for me.”
Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has criticized the NRL, calling for better protection for players, including his star fullback Reece Walsh, who will miss at least two games after being knocked out during State of Origin Game One.
Walters expressed his frustration with the leniency of Joseph Sua’ali’i’s four-week suspension for a high tackle on Walsh in Origin I, deeming it insufficient punishment for the severity of the incident.
As a result of the NRL’s 11-day stand-down rule, Walsh will miss Saturday night’s game against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium and will also be unavailable for Brisbane’s Round 15 clash against South Sydney.
Walsh had previously been sidelined for two games earlier this season due to a facial fracture sustained in a high-speed collision with Penrith’s Taylan May, who did not receive a suspension for the incident.
“Crossing the line is a big one for me,” Walters said, referring to the Walsh-Sua’ali’i incident. “That’s the second time that has happened, and four weeks (suspension for Sua’ali’i) for me is not enough.”
“Four weeks for ironing a bloke out the way he did, that’s not enough for me,” Walters emphasized. Despite ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys’ vocal stance on cracking down on high shots, Walters insists that the NRL must implement stronger measures.
“The NRL has to protect him (Walsh), that’s who has to protect him and be harder on the suspensions,” Walters continued.
Despite the incident, Walters remained optimistic about Walsh’s return for Origin Game Two.
“It’s not right for me to try and feel what their plan was, but I saw what their actions were, and that was the first block play of the game,” Walters replied when asked if NSW coach Michael Maguire had a deliberate plan to target Walsh.
In Walsh’s absence, Tristan Sailor has been recovering swiftly from ankle surgery and is set to replace him at fullback.
“Tristan has been magnificent with his attention to detail around his recovery and rehab,” Walters praised. “He has been in here seven days a week for the last three weeks getting it right.”
With the Broncos standing at 7-5 at the halfway point of the season, Walters commended Sailor’s dedication and hard work, indicating his readiness to step up in Walsh’s absence.