Brisbane Broncos and Queensland star Reece Walsh has called out “grown adults” who are demanding selfies by shoving phones in his face.
The 21-year-old is on the comeback trail from his high-profile concussion in the State of Origin opener last Wednesday night, sitting out the Broncos’ loss to Cronulla over the weekend.
But amid the concerns for his health Walsh has also been forced to deal with unwanted approaches off the field.
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Seemingly provoked by an incident, he took on selfie-hunting fans with a post on Instagram on Monday.
“If you’re over 10 years old and especially if you’re a grown adult and you don’t use your manners when asking for a photo, don’t be shook when you get a no,” Walsh wrote.
“We are people at the end of the day, do (not) just expect these things!!
“I love getting photos and chatting to everyone but if you just put a phone in my face and demand a photo I won’t wanna do it!!
“Please and thank you goes a long way! Have a great day.”
Walsh’s frustrations at being targeted away from rugby league echo calls for him to be protected on the field.
The Maroons fullback received plenty of attention in the lead-up to the Origin opener even before NSW Blues debutant Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s high shot in just the eighth minute.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters was tight-lipped when asked last week about speculation NSW went into the game with a plan to target Walsh, but his feelings were clear.
“It’s not right for me to try and feel what their plan was,” he said.
“But I saw what their actions were and that was the first block play of the game. You make your own mind up.”
Walters said the NRL must do more to protect Walsh and hand down bigger suspensions to discourage players from putting illegal shots on the fullback.
Suaalii received a four-match ban while, owing to concussion protocols, byes and travel, Walsh may not suit up again for Brisbane until July 5.
“The NRL have got to protect him, that’s who’s got to protect him, and be harder on the suspensions,” Walters said.
“Four weeks for what he actually did, Reece will be missing for us for four weeks.
“(A four-week ban) is not going to deter another player from coming out next time Reece plays and trying to take his head out again.”
Walters noted the Origin incident marked the second time this year the Broncos would lose Walsh after an opponent flew out of the defensive line to put a hit on him.
Penrith centre Taylan May was permitted to remain afield and received no suspension over the head clash that left the 21-year-old with a facial fracture in round three.
“That’s twice now and the first time he didn’t even get sin-binned or not even suspended, nothing,” Walters said.
– with AAP
