Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters issues statement after disturbing footage of Reece Walsh
- Reece Walsh appeared distressed during Tigers game
- The star full-back was not replaced until very late in the match.
- Walters says Walsh suffered no serious injuries
Broncos coach Kevin Walters was criticized for his decision not to replace Reece Walsh off the field until very late in Saturday night’s 34-10 win over the Wests Tigers.
The superstar guard gave fans cause for concern at several points in the second half, appearing to be somewhat uncomfortable on the field.
Walsh struggled to get up while making tackles, was seen vomiting after scoring his second try and was also seen grabbing his calf and knee with what looked like a cramp.
Despite this, the Queensland No.1 remained on the field until very late in the match.
Walters assured football fans that Walsh was fine and had not suffered any serious injuries.
Kevin Walters (pictured) was criticized for his decision not to replace Reece Walsh off the field until very late in Saturday’s game.
Walters says Walsh (pictured) was not injured during the match and will play next week
“He (Walsh) vomited first, then he cramped,” Walters said.
“He had all the known injuries tonight, but he’s fine, he’ll be right for next week, so that’s a good thing.”
Adam Reynolds was also struggling towards the end of last night’s match, coming off in the 77th minute with cramps.
Jock Madden will have scans on his pectoral injury as star duo Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam race against time to be fit for the Broncos’ grudge clash with the Sydney Roosters.
Madden, who was playing five-eighth, left the field in the 61st minute of Saturday night’s 34-10 win over the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
He will have scans on Monday to assess the extent of the damage.
Center Cobbo (shoulder) and Brisbane regular number 6 Mam (finger) missed the Tigers clash.
Both men will train on Tuesday when their injuries will be assessed ahead of Friday night’s showdown with the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
The last time the Broncos faced the Roosters – in Las Vegas for the high-profile season opener in March – Mam was called a “monkey” by Tricolors prop Spencer Leniu, who was subsequently suspended for eight weeks for racist insult.
The incident, reported by Mam to the officials on the field and supported in writing by his teammates after the match, gives rise to an explosive revenge.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said after the Tigers’ win on Saturday that Mam and Madden were doubts for the Roosters clash.
“I don’t think (Mam would play)… and Jock, maybe not,” Walters said when asked about the duo’s anticipated availability.
“We’ll figure something out. I am not sure. Jock is pretty sore and the turnaround time is shorter, but we’re not going to put Ezra in danger this early in the season.
“We could play anyone out there and they’ll do the job for us.”
If both are unavailable, Walters could place versatile Tristan Sailor in the No.6 role or move Billy Walters – who has previously played in the halves at NRL level – from No.9.
