'A class human being': Reece Walsh admires private embrace with Joseph Suaalii after Origin decider
Reece Walsh has unpacked the private moment in Origin III that buried the hatchet with Joseph Suaalii.
In what became the game-changing moment of the 2024 State of Origin series opener, Suaalii's dream debut ended after just seven minutes when he made a sickening hit on the Maroons fullback.
Walsh was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the game and failed to return in game two, while Suaalii served a four-match ban for the action.
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The union-bound Rooster was elevated into the Blues' extended squad for the series decider but did not take to the field.
As the siren rang at Suncorp Stadium and NSW's celebrated their 14-4 win, Suaalii searched for Walsh in a bid to congratulate him.
The video was shared by the NRL on Instagram showing the pair embracing and sharing a few words.
Although the conversation cannot be heard, Suaalii was seen waving to Walsh's daughter Leila before embracing the Maroons star again.
The video has accumulated over 130,000 likes on Instagram.
Speaking after his Broncos defeated the Knight on Saturday, Walsh praised Suaalii's act.
"He's a class player and a class human being," he told Fox League.
"He just came in to see how I was doing and wished me all the best for the rest of the year. As I did to him.
"He is an awesome bloke. It's footy. You want to go out and do your state proud and do yourself and your family proud. Things happen.
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"We're two young men going out there and playing footy, wanting to make an impact for our teams, and things happen. It was a good moment."
Suaalii issued an apology on Instagram following the tackle, stating he was, "disappointed at letting my family, my state and my teammates (down)."
"I didn't mean that at all, I just went there to go and tackle (Walsh), he continued.
"I accidentally clipped his head and I hope he is doing all right.
"I haven't reached out to him yet but it's something I'll do."
