Reece Walsh’s Origin setback and Maroons’ grand ambition

June 28, 2023 3:44 am.by Staff Writer

Reece Walsh & Kalyn Ponga — With Reece Walsh suspended for three games and out of State of Origin, will Kalyn Ponga be the obvious choice to replace him at fullback for Queensland?

Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was found guilty by the NRL judiciary of contrary conduct towards a match official, resulting in a three-match suspension, forcing him to miss Origin III and leaving the Maroons in search of a replacement.

The marathon hearing, lasting over four hours, ended with Reece Walsh‘s guilt determined by a panel consisting of judiciary chairman Justice Geoffrey Bellew, Tony Puletua, and Sean Hampstead, who ultimately cast the deciding vote.

Despite Walsh’s disappointment, he accepted the decision and acknowledged his role as a community role model, vowing to improve in areas that need work.

The majority of the panel agreed that Walsh’s tendency to challenge match officials earlier in the game, coupled with evidence from players Pat Carrigan and David Fifita that was deemed unreliable due to their close relationship with Walsh, contributed to the verdict.

In their determination, the panel also considered Walsh’s non-responsive words to Carrigan and his demeanour, looking towards the referee when the incident occurred, as captured in the footage from Angle 3.

While the referee’s report did not carry significant weight, the panel recognised the objective seriousness of Walsh’s actions, particularly his use of foul language, warranting a penalty that would act as a deterrent for similar behaviour.

With Walsh’s absence, the Queensland Maroons now face the challenge of finding a replacement for the talented fullback, with speculation suggesting the possible recall of Kalyn Ponga from the Newcastle Knights.

The Walsh video.. clearly the other Broncos players weren’t impressed with him either. #NRLBroncosTitans #NRL pic.twitter.com/cXcYfqAfpT

— Rugby League News (@RugbyLeagueNews) June 25, 2023

Ponga’s versatility and exceptional skills make him a suitable candidate for the fullback position, adding an exciting twist to the Origin series as fans eagerly await the official team announcement.

Amidst the lineup uncertainty, the Maroons also find themselves in an intriguing betting situation, as top NRL betting sites offer odds of $1.80 for Queensland to achieve a clean sweep in the State of Origin series.

The prospect of a clean sweep heightens anticipation among fans and bettors, reflecting the Maroons’ dominance over their New South Wales rivals and the opportunity to etch their name in rugby league history.

As the drama unfolds following Walsh’s suspension, the Maroons must regroup and maintain their winning momentum, relying on the potential inclusion of Ponga as they face the ultimate challenge in Game Three.

The $1.80 odds offered by top NRL betting sites further intensify the excitement surrounding the outcome, as Queensland strives for a historic clean sweep, captivating rugby league fans across the nation.

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