Panthers gun escapes ban after Broncos’ Walsh blow

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the NRL’s handling of an incident that left star player Reece Walsh with a facial fracture. The blow came during a match against the Panthers when Walsh collided with Taylan May, resulting in a severe gash under Walsh’s left eye. Despite passing his Head Injury Assessment (HIA), Walsh struggled with vision in the affected eye and had to be withdrawn from the game. May, who was penalized and placed on report for the incident, was not charged by the NRL’s match review panel.

The Broncos confirmed Walsh’s injury, stating that he was unable to fly due to the fracture and was being driven back to Brisbane for further evaluation. Walters expressed frustration over May not facing consequences for the incident, emphasizing concerns about player safety and the duty of care owed to athletes. He questioned the NRL’s commitment to concussion protocols and player protection, fearing that without repercussions for such actions, Walsh could become a target for similar incidents in the future.

Walters vowed to address the issue with NRL officials, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the duty of care towards players. He acknowledged the limitations in publicly discussing the matter but stressed the need for action to safeguard players’ well-being. The injury adds to the Broncos’ challenges, as they are already without key players like Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds due to injuries.

In hindsight, Walters admitted to an error in not having a replacement outside back on the bench, which left the team scrambling to fill Walsh’s position during the game. This oversight meant that Tristan Sailor, designated as the 18th man, couldn’t enter the game due to Walsh not being ruled out for an HIA. Walters accepted responsibility for the oversight and pledged to ensure better preparation in the future, including training more players to cover multiple positions effectively.

When asked about potential rule changes regarding the activation of the 18th man in such situations, Walters humorously deflected, suggesting that tinkering with the rules might not be favored by certain coaches. Instead, he focused on improving his team’s readiness to handle similar scenarios and took accountability for the selection of players on the bench.

Overall, Walters’ critique underscores the importance of player welfare within the NRL and highlights the need for clearer protocols and consequences for dangerous play. The incident serves as a reminder of the physical risks inherent in rugby league and the ongoing efforts required to mitigate them effectively.