Footy fans have raged at NRL officials after Reece Walsh avoided the sin bin for a shocking no-arms shoulder charge on the head of Melbourne star Xavier Coates.
Melbourne took a 12-6 lead in the match and looked to add to their six-point lead, sending the ball out wide to Coates on the left wing.
The winger cut inside and got caught by multiple Brisbane defenders as he charged through the Broncos’ defensive line.
Coates began to fall to the floor, before full-back Walsh charged forward and smashed his shoulder into the face of the Melbourne winger.
Referee Grant Atkins immediately blew up to stop play and put the talisman full-back on report, but did not choose to send him to the sin bin for the shocking challenge.
Fans fumed at the officials on social media after Walsh escaped an immediate sanction.
Reece Walsh (right) was placed on report for a shocking shoulder charge on Melbourne star Xavier Coates (centre) during the NRL Grand Final on Sunday
However, fans have fumed that Walsh was not sent to the sin bin following the horror tackle
Thankfully, Coates was OK to continue despite the reckless challenge from Walsh
‘Reece Walsh must be the most protected player in NRL history, all season long, that’s a yellow card, terrible call!’ one wrote.
Another added: ‘There are so many lawsuits heading the NRL’s way in the years to come.
‘Reece Walsh on report for a no-arms shoulder directly to the head of Xavier Coates.
‘Pathetic, soft and negligent officiating.’
One even added: ‘Reece Walsh, protected species surely.. #NRLGrandFinal.’
‘How’s Reece Walsh not got 10 for a shoulder to the head?’
Despite the shocking tackle, Walsh had enjoyed an electric first-half, returning nine minutes later to dance his way around multiple Melbourne defenders to score an outstanding solo try and pull the scores back to 16-10.
It’s not the first time in this year’s finals series that Walsh has found himself in hot water.
Footy fans fumed at officials on social media after Walsh’s high shoulder shot on Coates
Nine minutes later the 23-year-old would dance his way around the Melbourne defence to score a crucial try for the Broncos
The footy star was sent to the sin bin during his side’s first elimination final victory against the Canberra Raiders for a headbutt on Hudson Young.
He was also put on report for flipping the bird to Raiders fans during the match. While he escaped a suspension following both incidents, he would cop a $3,000 fine for the headbutt and an $1,800 fine for giving fans the middle finger.
Fans were treated to an enthralling first-half of footy during Sunday’s Grand Final, with the Broncos getting off to a flying start, thanks to a try in the second minute of the match from Deine Mariner.
Melbourne, though, would wrestle momentum back off Brisbane, taking a 22-12 lead into the break, after all of Nick Meaney, Eliesa Katoa, Will Warbrick, and Jahrome Hughes, touched down for tries.
The Broncos gallantly fought back in the second half, after Melbourne’s Tui Kamikamica appeared to drop the ball after crossing the try line.
Mariner hit back with another try while Gehamat Shibasaki also touched down to see the Broncos take a 26-22 lead.
More to follow…
