What you said about Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii being sent off in Origin I

It was a seventh-minute tackle that defined an entire game – but did NSW deserve to have a player sent off? HAVE YOUR SAY

It was a seventh-minute tackle that defined an entire game.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s send-off for a high shot on Reece Walsh in the State of Origin opener became the talking point, long after Queensland wrapped up a 38-10 victory in Sydney.

The NSW centre was marched after his shoulder appeared to make contact with the Maroons fullback’s head, leaving him concussed and out of the contest.

Suaalii’s absence – just the sixth send-off in Origin history – was noticeable for the rest of the contest as Queensland exploited their advantage, despite the Blues’ best efforts.

Suaalii now faces a lengthy suspension, although not all agree that it is warranted.

Maroons great Nate Myles was quick to spray the Roosters youngster as he left the field, but some readers felt he was harshly dealt with.

Some claimed Broncos star man Walsh milked the penalty, while others suggested – perhaps tongue-in-cheek – that a life ban could be on the cards.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

I miss the old days

CARL

In the 80’s it would have been a great hit. Today game it's a send off. I prefer the 80’s.

Geoff

Tedesco was tripped over the vertical … a penalty

Suaalii hit Walsh head on, no swinging arm and as far as I could see, in the chest. JWH did the same on the weekend and nothing.

Dale

Miles can talk, he should have been sent off in most of his origin games

Neil

Walsh was sliding in the tackle lowering his body and then laid down to get the penalty. Backed up by the fact he passed his HIA. Myles was one of the dirtiest players in the game dishing out late hits so he should not be saying a word!

Send off every day!

Robert

There is no doubt NSW was targeting Walsh .Thats poor coaching from Maguire…The risk that you are taking with that strategy is someone could get sent off.Someone got sent off.And deserved it…End of story.It smacks of desperation and any attempts by anybody south of the border making excuses should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

Roy

Definitely a send off in today’s game. But the length of suspension is very questionable. If that tackle was done a Hopgood type player does he get the same suspension. I honestly think he would have got a week. Which is all it should be. It wasn’t intentional. Woke NRL have shown multiple times that there are different rules for the glamour boys.

Mick

The tackle on Reece was sickening and will no doubt have an accumulative effect on his health for the remainder of his career. Reece is clearly a marked player because of his outstanding performances. Onya Nate for supporting your men.

Andy

I am a NSW supporter – and I would have given Suuaali a spray after that stupid tackle. His dumb actions probably cost NSW any chance of winning the game. I hope he enjoyed his 7 minutes of Origin, and he should never be considered again.

LYLE

The intention was a high tackle

the result could have been much worse – only time will tell

the message must be loud and clear life ban from field

N

Should be 12 weeks if they are serious about player welfare.

Ian

Yet he hit him in the head with the full force of his shoulder. It was definitely a send off offence. Even Fittler said it had to be a send off.

NSW's Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was sent off for this high hit on Queensland's Reece Walsh. Picture: Fox Sports

What a joke

Peter

1 hour ago

Well, what an over reaction to the tackle is it because it looked bad or is it because it was on Golden Boy Walsh. The tackle was going to be a humdinger if Walsh stayed upright, blind Freddy could see Walsh’s feet came out from underneath him

Roberty Bob

1 hour ago

Suaalii was committed to a front-on chest tackle and Reece Walsh ducked into him. Suaalii had no time to change his direction. It was a penalty at most.

Barry

5 minutes ago

Must be my cheap TV … I saw it completely different.

Keyser

Apparently, Suaalii should have not tackled at all and just let Walsh fall into him. I’d love to hear Annesley’s thoughts on what else he could have done.

Originally published as What you said about Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii being sent off in Origin I