Maroons Fullback Reece Walsh Placed on Report for Dangerous Contact in State of Origin Decider

In a tense State of Origin decider, Maroons fullback Reece Walsh found himself at the center of controversy as he was placed on report for dangerous contact during a pivotal moment in the game. The incident occurred when Walsh’s foot made contact with Blues centre Stephen Crichton‘s head as Crichton lost the ball just before the try line.

Stephen Crichton, aiming to score the opening try for New South Wales, lost possession under pressure from Queensland defenders, sparking a frantic scramble on the turf. Reece Walsh, arriving on the scene after the knock-on, unintentionally made contact with Crichton’s head with his foot, resulting in the on-field decision.

The match, broadcast exclusively on Fox League and Kayo, witnessed the Bunker review the incident and award a penalty to the Blues for the dangerous play by Reece Walsh. Despite Walsh’s protests to the referee, stating “I can’t disappear,” the penalty stood, denying Queensland a potential score from the resulting set.

As tensions ran high on the field, with a sideline brawl erupting and ferocious hits dominating play, the match set the stage for a fiercely contested State of Origin showdown. The decision to place Reece Walsh on report adds a layer of controversy to an already intense series decider.

The involvement of key figures such as Michael Maguire, the coach of the New South Wales team, as well as the officials in the Bunker and referee Klein, further highlighted the significance of the incident in shaping the outcome of the crucial State of Origin match.