NRL 2024: Brisbane Broncos stars Reece Walsh and Corey Oates have settled any differences following on-field spat
Brisbane Broncos stars Reece Walsh and Corey Oates have settled any differences following their on-field clash last weekend, with one of their teammates clearing the air on the fallout from the viral spat. See the photos.
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Reece Walsh and Corey Oates have smoked the peace pipe following their on-field stoush as the Broncos launched a passionate defence of Brisbane’s polarising fullback.
Walsh and Oates emerged from Brisbane’s inner sanctum at Red Hill on Wednesday together, having seemingly settled any differences following last weekend’s spat that went viral.
The Broncos duo exchanged words in a lengthy argument during Brisbane’s dreadful 46-18 loss to the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.
But there was no evidence of bad blood when they hit the training paddock to continue preparations for Saturday’s must-win derby with the Cowboys in Townsville.
Walsh and Oates, who has been dropped for the North Queensland clash, walked out on the training field together and passed the ball before the session kicked off.
Broncos utility Tristan Sailor said there were no issues between the feisty Walsh and club legend Oates.
“They are all good, they have been sweet during the week,” he said.
“It is one of those things where you are holding your mate accountable. While it might look bad on TV it is nothing.
“There was nothing malicious in it. I think it was just a matter of accountability.
“It wasn’t Walshy blaming Oatesy or Oatesy blaming Walshy. It was just the frustration of the game.”
Walsh, 22, has become a lightning rod for criticism during Brisbane’s dramatic crash into the NRL’s bottom four.
The Queensland Origin fullback’s form has been well below what he produced during Brisbane’s run to last year’s grand final.
Walsh divided opinions when he threw a poor pass to Oates that hit the ground and then appeared to blast the winger.
Sailor said Walsh’s reaction was a result of his passion.
“It doesn’t come across in the media, but he is very fastidious about what he does,” he said.
“He is only 22 so I guess with age everyone mellows out a bit. It is just passion for Walshy. That is what makes him the player he is.
“It is nothing personal and it is something he is learning as he gets older, to remain calm.
“All the best players I have seen, ‘JT’ (Johnathan Thurston) sprayed people in games and Cam Smith. It is something the best players do because they want people to be on a high level.
“He is doing everything he can to get there as well.”
The Broncos have lost eight of their past nine games and winger Jesse Arthars said tensions were high on the field.
“He (Walsh) is just passionate, mate,” he said.
“We’re all good teammates. Footy gets pretty heated.
“Reece is a passionate footballer and he might have been a bit upset with it, but I’m sure they’ve both moved on from it. Everyone is all good at the club.”
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Originally published as NRL 2024: Brisbane Broncos stars Reece Walsh and Corey Oates have settled any differences following on-field spat
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