Reece Walsh can’t wait for Origin 2 after ugly Joseph Suaalii high shot

Reece Walsh has addressed the infamous high shot that wiped him out of Origin 1 and any concerns he has returning for Queensland.

As Blues players doubled down on their threat to go after Reece Walsh again in game two, the Maroons superstar says he has smoothed things over with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.

The NSW rookie knocked Walsh out of the series opener with an infamous and vicious high shot.

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The incident in the opening eight minutes has lit the fuse for a fiery game two in Melbourne, with Suaalii copping a four-game ban for the high and late shot as he jammed in to pressure the electrifying fullback.

A lot has been said from people on both sides of the border, but Walsh has moved on and is champing at the bit to get back on the field after he was forced to sit out two club games under the NRL’s concussion protocols.

“That’s footy. It is what comes with the sport,” Walsh said.

“He sent me a nice message and I sent him a nice one back, too.

Reece Walsh and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii have cleared the air after the sickening collision in game one. Picture: NRL Photos / Brett Costello

“At the end of the day, you want to represent your state with pride and do whatever you can for your team. Things happen.”

The Blues have vowed to target Walsh again at the MCG, but the young gun isn’t fazed by what might come his way as the Maroons look to wrap up the series with a game to spare.

“If I had any doubts or was scared I wouldn’t pull on the Queensland jersey,” Walsh said.

“I know how much it means to the people of Queensland and past players.

“They need a team that is willing to put their body on the line and do whatever for their state.

“If I was scared or shy in any way I would pull myself out.

Walsh was mobbed by fans in Toowoomba on Tuesday. Picture: Adam Head

“I knew I had the protocols to go through and there was a bit of persuading with Bill (Queensland coach Billy Slater) to get my job back because (Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow) killed it.

“That was a bit tough but I just had to tick all the boxes. I am grateful for Bill giving me the opportunity.”

Walsh has developed into the most captivating player in the world right now, with the Broncos star excited to combine with speed machine Tabuai-Fidow, who replaced him at fullback and tormented the Blues with a hat-trick of tries.

“Hammer is phenomenal with what he brings to a footy team,” Walsh said.

“You can’t coach speed and it is hard to go up against speed.

“I am just glad he is in my team and I can use his skills and back him up. I know he is going to do the same for me.”

Originally published as Reece Walsh can’t wait for Origin 2 after ugly Joseph Suaalii high shot