Image of Reece Walsh holding his daughter after being KO’d melts hearts

Reece Walsh has melted hearts moments after his time in the State of Origin series opener was cut short following a horror hit.

Reece Walsh's heartwarming moment after KO

Reece Walsh’s night came to an early end following a sickening shot from NSW Blues debutant Joseph Sua’ali’i.

The State of Origin series opener was flipped on its head just seven minutes into the game when Sua’ali’i came out from his defensive line and hit Walsh flush in the head with his shoulder.

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Walsh remained down and out on the Accor Stadium turf as Queensland fans held their breath that their start fullback would be fine.

No patron in attendance however would have been as nervous as Walsh’s daughter Leila who was sitting in the stands watching on.

Thankfully Walsh got back to his feet and walked off the field where a heartwarming moment unfolded between the pair.

As Walsh returned to the sidelines he picked up his number one fan and the two embraced.

The heartwarming moment on the sidelines. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Leila was seen earlier in the week helping the Maroons on the training track as she sprinted around the field with her dad while duelling with Patrick Carrigan.

She has become a stalwart on the sidelines of Brisbane Broncos fixtures and has become the unofficial mascot for the Maroons.

Leila stole the show after the 2023 State of Origin series opener when Walsh credited her for being his inspiration.

“This is my little girl Leila,” Walsh said holding his daughter, who was kitted out in a Maroons’ hoodie and beanie, complete with teddy bear ears.

“She’s two mate and she’s my rock. She’s the reason why I go out there and put on this jersey.”

“I got my jersey,” Leila added as hearts melted across the country.

While Walsh didn’t play a key part, the Maroons proved too strong for the 12-man Blues as they claimed the 38-10 victory on Wednesday night.

Walsh will miss his next two games for the Broncos, but is expected to be fine to play at the MCG in three weeks.

Player of the match Daly Cherry-Evans put on a clinic at 35 years of age, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a hat-trick, giving him eight tries in just five Origin appearances.

The Maroons led 20-6 at halftime and although NSW briefly threatened to make a comeback, runaway tries to Ben Hunt and Xavier Coates shut the door.

The loss means the Blues are now seriously up against it, with the series heading to Melbourne for Game 2 and Game 3 in Brisbane, meaning they effectively need to win two away games.

Originally published as Image of Reece Walsh holding his daughter after being KO’d melts hearts