Walsh labels Suaalii ‘class human’ after Origin high shot, apology

Reece Walsh says NSW centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has shown himself as a “class human being” in seeking him out for an on-field apology after State of Origin III.

Speaking on Origin for the first time since Queensland’s series loss, Walsh admitted he was disappointed with his own end to the Maroons’ campaign.

But there was a heartfelt moment at the end of Origin III, with Suaalii making a point to meet with the Queensland fullback over his high shot in Sydney.

Video captured Suaalii approaching Walsh and talking to his young daughter, while apologising to the Maroons No.1 for the shot that flattened him in Origin I, drawing a four-game suspension.

“He’s a class player and a class human being,” Walsh said.

“He just came in to see how I was doing and wished me all the best for the rest of the year. As I did to him.

“He is an awesome bloke. It’s footy. You want to go out and do your state proud and do yourself and your family proud. Things happen.”

Suaalii’s shot on Walsh sparked the series to life and caused a clear animosity between the two sides, with tensions again boiling over in Origin III.

But the man himself said he never had any issue with Suaalii.

“Everyone in the media is blowing stuff up. I understand that is the job,” Walsh said.

“But at the end of the day we’re two young men going out there playing footy, wanting to make an impact for their team.”

Walsh refused to be drawn on comments from Maroons coach Billy Slater, who claimed after Origin III that the Blues had again hit the fullback off the ball.

But he was the first to admit he was not happy with the way the series panned out for him.

The 22-year-old’s performances were publicly questioned after Queensland’s series loss, given the game’s most electrifying fullback broke the line only once in the last two games.

He rebounded in style for his club Brisbane on Saturday night, breaking the line at will, scoring a try and setting up two others in his best game in months against Newcastle.

“I don’t read too many comments. I know my game,” Walsh said.

“Obviously, I was a bit disappointed with some things there. I just have to keep my head down, keep working hard and keep giving my best effort.”

Saturday’s win over Newcastle has given Brisbane hope of reviving their season, with Adam Reynolds fit again and helping unlock the Broncos’ dangerous backline.

Last year’s grand finalists will likely need to win six of their last seven to lock in a spot in the top eight, with big games to come against Canterbury, the Dolphins, North Queensland and Melbourne.

“Of course [there is still belief]. Origin period is over,” Walsh said.

“We just have to come together as a group, because obviously the Origin period is pretty tough. You’re in and out. You don’t see the boys too much.”

AAP