Maguire downplayed Walsh's headbutt; Stuart criticized officials. Walsh's season now uncertain after sin-bin.
Michael Maguire has downplayed the incident where Reece Walsh headbutted Hudson Young, describing it as merely two players having a "conversation." In contrast, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart criticized the officials, asserting they "got it 100 per cent wrong" by not sending Walsh off.
Walsh's season is now uncertain after he was sin-binned for thrusting his forehead into Young's face during a confrontation in the 53rd minute of Brisbane's thrilling 29-28 qualifying final victory over Canberra on Sunday.
Despite the incident, Walsh played a pivotal role in bringing Brisbane back into the game after they were down 28-12 with 14 minutes remaining. He scored one try, assisted in another, and executed a long 40/20 kick that allowed Brisbane to gain possession for a subsequent play. Additionally, his long-range field goal attempt-though it hit the crossbar-resulted in a penalty goal that sent the match into extra time.