NRL 2023, scorpion tackle: Broncos star Reece Walsh the victim of ugly new tackling technique

A war of words has erupted between the Broncos and Cowboys after Reece Walsh became the victim of a new tackling technique - the scorpion.

Reece Walsh.

The Brisbane Broncos’ rivalry with North Queensland has taken another explosive twist amid claims that superstar fullback Reece Walsh was the victim of a new tackling technique that has been dubbed ‘the scorpion’.

This masthead can reveal that the Broncos have privately raised concerns over an incident involving Walsh in the 36th minute of their game against the Cowboys on Saturday night at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Footage of the incident shows Walsh screaming in pain after being tackled by Cowboys duo Coen Hess and Jamayne Taunoa-Brown. It is understood Broncos officials reviewed the matter and believe that Walsh was fortunate to avoid serious injury.

They harbour fears that it could be the beginning of a dangerous new tackling technique infiltrating the game. Cowboys coach Todd Payten, however, has hit back by vehemently denying the club were the architects of the code’s latest controversial practice.

Reece Walsh screams after having his legs pulled during the derby.

The NRL has outlawed a number of tackling techniques in recent years including the grapple tackle, the chicken wing, the missile and the prowler. More recently, they have clamped down on the hip drop in an attempt to eliminate the dangerous tackling technique from the game.

Payten was incensed that his club had become the centre of attention for the wrong reasons.

“I am furious for anyone to think we would coach this sort of tackle,” he said.

“I am dumbfounded. It’s the same as the hip drop, can someone tell me anyone who is coaching that?

“Every tackle we made on Reece Walsh was around the legs because of his speed getting across the ground.

“I’ve never even heard of this tackle, we don’t coach it.”

Cowboys head of football Micheal Luck added: “As a club, we are disappointed that anyone would think we would condone or coach this sort of tackle.

“If anyone thinks we have intentionally done this tackle, it’s simply not right.”

This masthead can reveal that the tackle did not appear on the radar of the match review committee, although the NRL is aware of suggestions of a new tackling technique emerging in the game.

“Every tackle in every game gets reviewed by the match review committee,” NRL head of football Graham Annesley said.

“I have been informed that they saw nothing untoward in this tackle.”

While the NRL had few concerns over tackle on Walsh, it is understood the Broncos also raised concerns over the treatment of their back-five players when they are returning kicks.

Walsh, in particular, has become a target for opposing sides following his stunning start to life at the Broncos. The Brisbane and Queensland No.1 has been a dynamo this season, making him a target for real sides whenever he takes the field.

The Cowboys did their best to contain him last weekend but that didn’t stop Walsh running for more than 130 metres, busting six tackles and scoring a try.

Originally published as NRL 2023, scorpion tackle: Broncos star Reece Walsh the victim of ugly new tackling technique