The Canberra Raiders have dismissed sensational claims made by Karl Stefanovic suggesting their fans made inappropriate comments about Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh’s young daughter during Sunday’s dramatic qualifying final at GIO Stadium.
The 23-year-old, who was sin-binned during Sunday’s explosive clash for headbutting Raiders forward Hudson Young, has been cleared to play in the Broncos’ preliminary final after the NRL match review committee handed him only a $3,000 fine.
Following his sin-bin, footage appeared to show Walsh giving Raiders fans the middle finger as he made his way through the stadium tunnel.
On Monday, Channel 9’s Today host Karl Stefanovic claimed that Walsh’s gesture toward the fans was in response to verbal comments, which may have included references to his young daughter.
MORE: NRL to review Walsh’s heated clash with Raiders fans, reportedly tied to comments about his daughter
“I’m hearing this morning that the crowd was yelling stuff out about Reece’s daughter, so that is horrendous in its own way,” Stefanovic said.
Queensland coach Billy Slater came to the defence of the young halfback on Monday, expressing disbelief at the claims and condemning any attempts to involve a player’s family.
“I wasn’t aware of that. That’s the first time I’ve heard of that kind of content being delivered towards Reece, and that’s terrible,” Slater stated.
“Like seriously, why would you say stuff like that?
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, and it’s an emotional game. He probably shouldn’t have done what he did.”
“I don’t think there was anything too much in the incidents. Hopefully they still get to play in that preliminary final but those rulings will come down today.”
However, Raiders CEO Don Furner responded to the claims surrounding Sunday’s match, firmly rejecting any suggestion that Walsh’s family was involved.
“Broncos’ PR machine going into overdrive as usual,” Furner told foxsports.com.au.
“I was standing in the tunnel when he left the field. It was so loud nobody could have heard a word.”