Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh could face scrutiny from the NRL following a tense incident with Canberra Raiders fans after his sin-bin in Sunday’s qualifying final at GIO Stadium.
The incident unfolded during a dramatic flashpoint in Brisbane’s thrilling 29-28 golden-point overtime victory over Canberra, when Walsh clashed with Raiders forward Hudson Young, appearing to head-butt him.
Both players were sent to the sin-bin, and footage later showed Walsh seemingly flipping the bird to Raiders fans as he made his way up the tunnel and left the field.
The incident comes amid claims that Walsh’s reaction was provoked by abusive comments aimed at his young daughter.
MORE: Reece Walsh headbutt sparks second-half madness in Canberra
The NRL is expected to review the footage on Monday to determine whether Walsh will face any sanctions.
Queensland coach Billy Slater came to the defence of the young halfback on Monday, expressing disbelief at claims that Raiders fans had targeted Walsh’s young daughter with abuse — allegations aired by Today Show host Karl Stefanovic on the Nine Network that morning.
“I know Reece personally and I know how much he cops,’ Slater said.
“To be fair, when you pay your $20 ticket to come into a footy game, it doesn’t give you the right to abuse people.
“I wasn’t aware of that.
“It’s the first time I have heard of that sort of content being delivered towards Reece. Seriously, why would you say stuff like that.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve and it is an emotional game, he loves the game. He probably shouldn’t have done what he did but that’s the way it goes.
“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.”