Promising NRL contender Reece Walsh seems to be in significant trouble stemming from an altercation with a fan at the NRL‘s Fan Fest at Circular Quay.
The Broncos players had to cover a distance of approximately 600 metres back to their team bus, post the fan day, in anticipation of the weekend’s NRL Grand Final.
As the players were swamped by hoards of fans, it is purported that a fan in a Panthers jersey made a comment that Walsh, aged 21, didn’t appreciate.
The NRL Integrity Unit is currently probing the reaction of the State of Origin superstar.
The initial comment isn’t discernable in segments of the incident on social media. However, according to witness accounts, a fan shouted to Walsh, “Moses Leota will take your head off this weekend.”
Leota, a formidable prop, is part of the Penrith team hoping to secure a rare NRL three-peat in Sunday’s Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos, represented by Walsh.
Instead of disregarding the remark, Walsh felt compelled to retort.
“I’ll take your mum’s,” Walsh is distinctly heard saying on a video that has gained considerable traction on social media platforms.
Subsequently, he casually moves away, surrounded by fellow players and what appears to be security personnel.
The NRL is believed to have received a complaint regarding the video clip.
“The NRL Integrity Unit is mindful of the issue,” mentioned an NRL representative to League Initiative.
The NRL is reportedly acquiring more video footage of the incident, which has unfortunately cropped up just two days ahead of their marquee event.
Although the young fan, who seemed to be at the receiving end of Walsh’s coarse remark, reacted with a stunned smile in the video, a witness reported the fan seemed distressed afterwards.
“(The) young lad was visibly distraught and rattled,” one onlooker shared with a publication.
“I have forwarded the video to the NRL where it has been sent to the Integrity Unit for additional scrutiny.”
Walsh has swiftly flourished as a key player in the NRL via an outstanding stint with the Broncos and Queensland.
His team, the Broncos, are deemed the underdogs for Sunday’s Grand Final against the Panthers who are on a record-breaking pursuit.
Reece Walsh cannot be banned from playing in the grand final because the fan that made the initial comment is a Panthers fan. It would be seen as a deliberate ploy by Panthers team to remove Reece Walsh a key Broncos player from playing in the grand final. It would then be advantageous to the Panthers.
Walsh is a better player and a up-coming legend. Sydney teams have found a way to lock him up for the Grand Final. It seems that The NRL is all behind this and probably it was planned.
We love footy and we love Brisbane Broncos and the Indeginious, all the way from Papua New Guinea.
Any one can it’s a set up nice try Penrith
Penrith fan deserves it… Nice response Walsh.
If you can’t stand the heat stay out of the kitchen. The young person started it and Reece finished it. Too bad if he didn’t like the reply. Is NSW looking for an excuse to ban Reece because he is a threat to their team.
The Penrith Fan was “visibly distraught”… what a load of bollocks!! He’s a young teenager! He’s heard worse.from hos own mates! What a joke! Any excuse to have one of the Broncos best players taken out of the GF match!
Please missing a grand final because of nothing more then a pest who wants a reaction, e wry one will know Reece will react as he’s that personality, don’t give it if you do t expect something else, what are we so woke trying to say the kid is hurt he was laughing he would get worse in the school yard, good try Penrith supporters but go away, no ban here and not should there be.
The panthers fan should be questioned and obtain reasonable reason, as to why shouted out in public to Reece and not the team (Broncos). It is a personal attack on the player and that emerged response unsettled the fan. Reece shouldn’t be banned
Really?, I guess if the young Bronco is out of the grand final due to his response – the Penrith fan will be moved to the members stand to watch the game.
Diane Kleinig.
This was deliberate to have Reece suspended. Wonder how much money paid to this person to abuse Reece. Just a storm in a tea cup. It would be very unfortunate if the NRL took any action. Just silly tactics!
Integrity unit over a kid responding to kid
Really thats all the League has to worry about- ban him from the Grand Final What a load of sh*te!!!!!
If that’s not some imbecile attempting to get a reaction by having someone else filming him while throwing unnecessary remarks to someone whom is just attending a grand final function and walking back to there coach?
It’s unacceptable by the panthers fan and should be held to question as to what his motives were and should be banned from any more public promotions of the grand final
100% agree
Reece Walsh’s response is not acceptable, however, the young (man) star is not on a honeymoon.
The difference is, the spectators, particularly the fans like it very much as an amusement and entertainment, and the media will agree. Well, the scenario changes and it is different to the young fullback’s perspective. It is his body on the line. [e. g, the gladiators..]
He has being preparing mentally for the biggest and the most serious stage, the grandfinal. If anything, he has to stay on top of himself mentally…
Be realistic: fair and just in any decision making to this regard.
The Penrith fan should lean to keep his mouth shut.
And that comment is coming from a Parra supporter.