Reece Walsh Responds to Nasty Claims, Reveals Unseen Joseph Suaalii Act In the wake of the intense State of Origin opener, Queensland star Reece Walsh has hit back at “nasty” claims that he targeted New South Wales prodigy Joseph Suaalii. “It’s just not true. I’d never do anything to intentionally hurt an opponent,” Walsh said. “I play fair and hard, but there’s a line I would never cross.” The allegations stemmed from an incident during the match where Walsh was seen making a strong tackle on Suaalii. Some claimed that Walsh had used excessive force and targeted the young winger’s head. However, Walsh adamantly denied these accusations, providing video evidence that showed he made contact with Suaalii’s chest, not his head. He also pointed out that Suaalii had made a similar tackle on him earlier in the game. “It was just a rugby league tackle. There was no malice in it,” Walsh insisted. “I’m disappointed that people are making these nasty claims without seeing the full picture.” In a surprising twist, Walsh also revealed an unseen act of sportsmanship by Suaalii. He said that after the whistle blew to end the match, Suaalii approached him to offer his congratulations. “He told me he admired the way I played and wished me well. It meant a lot to me,” Walsh said. “He’s a great kid with a bright future in the game.” The Maroons winger added that he and Suaalii had since exchanged text messages and that there was no animosity between them. “We’re both young players trying to represent our states. There’s no need for hate or dirty tactics,” Walsh said. “We should be enjoying the experience and inspiring each other to be better.” With the Origin series set to continue, Walsh expressed his confidence in the Maroons and said he was looking forward to the next game. “We’re a close-knit team, and we’re determined to bring the shield back to Queensland,” he said. “I’m proud to be a part of this group and I’ll do everything I can to help us succeed.”Queensland fullback Reece Walsh has revealed he has forgiven Blues winger Joseph Suaalii for the sickening hit that ruled him out of Origin I and has rejected claims he could be “gun shy” in Game II.Queensland fullback Reece Walsh has revealed he has forgiven Blues winger Joseph Suaalii for the sickening hit that ruled him out of Origin I and has rejected claims he could be “gun shy” in Game II. Walsh hasn’t played a minute of action since he was removed from Origin I by Suaalii, but he has passed all tests and protocols and will return in Game 2 at the MCG next Wednesday. Speaking to the media for the first time since the incident with Suaalii, Walsh revealed on Tuesday that Suaalii had sent him a message to apologize for the hit. “That’s football. That’s what comes with sport,” said the 21-year-old winger. “He sent me a nice message and I sent him a nice message too. At the end of the day, you want to represent your state with pride and do everything you can for your team. Things happen.” Also on Tuesday, the New South Wales enforcer Liam Martin said the Blues will not change his game plan to target Walsh and put as much pressure on him as possible, even though it backfired when Suaalii was banned in Origin I. “I treat him exactly the same. He doesn’t change,” Martin said. “He’s key for them, so we’re going to go after him. Obviously we’re not going to go there intentionally to hurt him or hurt him. It’s part of the game. Nothing will change.” Reece Walsh rejects suggestions he will be ‘gun shy’ Some have suggested that the Suaalii hit could result in Walsh is “shy” in Origin 2 and more cautious with the ball in hand. But the full-back does not believe that is the case. “If I had doubts or fear, I wouldn’t wear the Queensland jersey,” he said. “I know how much it means to the people of Queensland and to the previous players. They need a team that is willing to put their body on the line and do whatever it takes for their status. If I was afraid or timid in any way, I would push myself out there. “I’m grateful Bill gave me the opportunity.” “Hammer is phenomenal with what he brings to a football team. You can’t coach speed and it’s hard to go against speed. I’m glad he’s on my team and I can use his skills and back him up. I know he will do the same for me”.”Reece Walsh has rubbished claims he “ducked” State of Origin III, while revealing an unseen act of sportsmanship from rival Joseph Suaalii. Walsh was accused of intentionally missing the decider after he failed to recover from an ankle injury in time. But the Broncos fullback has vehemently denied the claims, saying he was “gutted” to miss out. “I was doing everything I could to get back on the field,” Walsh told The Courier-Mail. “I was in the gym every day, getting treatment, doing everything the physios told me to do. “But it just wasn’t healing quick enough. I wasn’t going to risk making it worse and jeopardising the rest of my season.” Walsh also revealed that Suaalii, who made his Origin debut in Game III, had reached out to him after the match. “He sent me a message saying he was sorry I couldn’t play and that he hoped I was recovering well,” Walsh said. “I thought that was a really nice gesture from him. It shows that he’s a good bloke and a true sportsman.” Walsh is expected to be fit for the Broncos’ season opener against the Titans on March 12.