Reece Walsh has spoken publicly about the hit that knocked him out of the State of Origin opener, revealing he had already buried the hatchet with Joseph Suaalii.
In one of the most dramatic moments in the rivalry’s history, Suaalii was sent off seven minutes into game one for a high tackle that left the Maroons fullback unconscious.
Walsh was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game at Accor Stadium and has been sidelined ever since, missing two crucial games at club level for Brisbane.
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However, when quizzed on whether the pair had spoken since the incident, Walsh brushed aside any animosity and put it down to the aggression needed in Origin.
”That’s footy at the end of the day – it’s what comes with the sport,” he said on Tuesday.
“He sent me a nice message and I sent him a nice one back as well.
“At the end of the day, you want to go out there and represent your state with pride and do whatever you can for your team. Stuff happens and you’ve just got to adapt.
“I’m just glad the boys went out there and worked their backsides off and got a good result. I’m glad to be back in camp now and excited to build the week again.”
Walsh also revealed his young daughter Leila was “a bit upset” by the incident, but hopes she will be content with him taking the field once again next Wednesday.
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Queensland secured a 38-10 victory over the Blues, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-game series, with a chance to wrap up the series in Melbourne.
Walsh has been cleared to return from concussion and allayed fears over whether he will be ready to take on NSW at full-throttle by the time game two kicks off.
“If I had any doubts or I was scared, I wouldn’t pull on the Queensland jersey,” he said.
“I know how much it means to the people of Queensland and the past players and they need a team out there that’s willing to put their body on the line and is willing to do whatever for their state. If I was shy or scared in any way, I think I’d pull myself out.
“I knew I had the protocols to go through and a bit of persuading with Billy to give me my job back because Hammer [Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow] killed it, so that was a bit tough.
“I just had to tick all the boxes and do everything right and then hope for that phone call. I’m really grateful to Billy for giving me that opportunity.”
Walsh will wear the No.1 jumper in game two with Tabuai-Fidow named to line up in the centres once again, while speedster Selwyn Cobbo has been left out of the squad.