Broncos star Reece Walsh clashes with a young Panthers fan

One of the biggest stars of Sunday’s Grand Final is under investigation from the NRL Integrity Unit over an incident with a fan.

Exactly three months to the day since he declared “I’m a role model to young kids”, Reece Walsh has lashed out at a teenager in Sydney.

The budding NRL superstar could be in major strife over the run-in with a supporter that occurred after the NRL’s Fan Fest at Circular Quay.

After the fan event ahead of this weekend’s NRL Grand Final had finished, Broncos players had to walk approximately 600 metres to get back to the team bus.

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With players surrounded by throngs of fans, a supporter in a Panthers jumper supposedly made a comment to Walsh that the 21-year-old didn’t take kindly to.

It was the State of Origin star’s response that is being investigated by the NRL Integrity Unit.

Reece Walsh and a fan in Sydney seen in the social media video.

The video on social media does not show what was initially said, but it has been alleged by witnesses a fan called out to Walsh: “Moses Leota will take your head off this weekend.”

Leota, an imposing prop, will be in the Penrith team aiming for a rare NRL three-peat in Sunday’s Grand Final against Walsh’s Brisbane Broncos.

Rather than ignore the comment, Walsh couldn’t resist responding.

“I’ll take your mum’s,” Walsh is clearly heard saying in a video that has been widely circulated on social media.

He then quickly walks away surrounded by teammates and what looks like security.

Reece Walsh (left) in a happier moment earlier during the NRL Fan day at Circular Quay. Photo: Adam Head

It’s understood a complaint has been lodged with the NRL over the video.

“The NRL Integrity Unit is aware of the matter,” an NRL spokesman told The Daily Telegraph.

More footage of the incident is reportedly being sought in the type of incident the NRL really doesn’t need just two days out from its showpiece event.

While the youngster that appears to be the subject of Walsh’s crass comment reacts with a shocked smile and a laugh on the video, a witness said he was upset in the aftermath.

“(The) young kid was visibly upset and shaken,” a witness told the Telegraph.

Walsh interacting with fans departing Brisbane for the NRL Grand Final. Photo: David Clark

“I have sent the video to the NRL who have forwarded to the integrity unit for further investigation.”

Walsh has quickly emerged as one of the biggest names in the game during a terrific run with the Broncos and Queensland, but he has had his issues with discipline.

This incident comes exactly three months since Walsh was suspended for three games for contrary conduct and forced out of State of Origin III for Queensland.

An on-field microphone picked up the Broncos fullback launching an expletive-laden spray over a penalty during Brisbane’s 18-12 loss to the Titans on 25 June.

He was referred straight to the judiciary, accused of directing his comments at referee Chris Butler, which Walsh strongly denies.

Walsh signs autographs and takes selfies with fans during a Broncos fan training session at Red Hill, Brisbane. Photo: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

The comment was heard by Butler, prompting the referee to march the penalty an extra 10 metres downfield.

“What the f*** do you mean, c***?” Walsh said.

It was a split decision with the chairman casting the deciding vote after the two-man judiciary panel, of ex-NRL player Tony Puletua and ex-NRL referee Shaun Hampstead, disagreed following almost an hour of deliberations.

Afterwards, Walsh said he knew he needed to improve his conduct.

Walsh at the NRL Judiciary at Rugby League Central in Moore Park on 27 June. Photo: Jonathan Ng

“Obviously I’m pretty disappointed in the outcome but I accept the decision of the panel,” Walsh said after the hearing on 28 June.

“Obviously I know I’m a role model to young kids and the community and I’m going to continue to work hard and continue to get better at the areas I need to get better at.”

Walsh also came under scrutiny from the NRL judiciary following Queensland’s win in game II this year, when he was sent off for headbutting NSW rival Jarome Luai.

He was fined 23 per cent of his Origin match fee for that incident.