BREAKING LIVE: JUDICIARY DECLARES FASTEST JUDGEMENT AGAINST REECE WALSH GUILTY ACT AS FANS RECEIVES SHOCK NEWS AMID FAIR PLAY..

BREAKING LIVE: JUDICIARY DECLARES FASTEST JUDGEMENT AGAINST REECE WALSH GUILTY ACT AS FANS RECEIVES SHOCK NEWS AMID FAIR PLAY..

 

In a major relief for Australian rugby league fans, Kangaroos superstar Reece Walsh has officially escaped suspension following his controversial mid-air high shot on England winger Don Young during the second Ashes Test at Headingley. The incident, which saw Walsh sent to the sin bin late in the first half, sparked widespread debate among pundits, fans, and former players — but the NRL judiciary has now ruled that the contact, while reckless, did not warrant a match ban.

The ruling means Walsh is free to play in the Ashes series decider at Old Trafford this weekend — a massive boost for Australia as they aim to complete a 3-0 clean sweep over the English side.

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The Incident That Shocked the Crowd

It was the 34th minute of a fiercely contested clash when England halfback Harry Smith sent a towering bomb downfield. As Don Young leapt to take the catch, Walsh came flying through at top speed in an attempt to contest the ball. The Brisbane Broncos fullback, known for his electric pace and fearless approach, misjudged his timing and collided heavily with Young mid-air, his shoulder appearing to clip the Englishman’s jaw.

Young tumbled awkwardly to the turf, sparking immediate concern from both teams. Referee Ashley Klein wasted no time sending Walsh to the sin bin for what was deemed “dangerous contact.” The decision divided the rugby league world instantly.

Some argued it was a textbook mid-air contest gone wrong, while others called it a reckless and unnecessary act that could have seriously injured Young.

The home crowd at Headingley made their feelings clear, booing loudly as Walsh made his way from the field — a moment that quickly went viral across social media.

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The Judiciary Verdict

After reviewing footage from multiple angles and taking submissions from both camps, the NRL Match Review Committee announced on Monday morning that Walsh would not face suspension, clearing him to play in the final Test.

In a statement, the committee said:

> “While contact was made with the head of Don Young, the incident was determined to be an accidental collision occurring during a legitimate contest for the ball. The force of the impact was not deemed sufficient to warrant further sanction beyond the in-game penalty.”

 

The decision was met with mixed reactions — relief from the Australian camp, disbelief from some English supporters, and a collective sigh of relief from fans eager to see one of rugby league’s brightest stars continue to light up the international stage.

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Mal Meninga Backs His Star Fullback

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga was quick to defend his player after the ruling, praising Walsh’s competitive spirit while acknowledging the fine line between aggression and recklessness in modern rugby league.

> “Reece is one of those players who gives 100% every time he takes the field,” Meninga said. “He plays with energy, passion, and courage. It was a split-second play — he was contesting the ball, and unfortunately there was contact. The game’s fast, and those things happen.”

 

Meninga admitted that Walsh’s brief stint in the sin bin had disrupted Australia’s rhythm during the match but said he was proud of how the team regrouped to hold on for victory.

> “We had to dig deep, and that’s what this team is about. I’m just glad Reece will be available for the next one — he’s a big part of our attack and our energy,” he added.

 

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England Camp Disappointed but Respectful

On the other side, England coach Shaun Wane expressed his disappointment at the decision but refrained from inflaming the situation.

> “Look, I don’t make the rules,” Wane said. “It’s a tough game, and these things happen. Don’s fine, which is the main thing. But if you’re asking me, I thought it was careless. Still, we move on and focus on Old Trafford.”

 

Don Young himself, who passed a head injury assessment and returned later in the game, was diplomatic when asked about the collision.

> “He came in hot, that’s Reece — he plays fast and fearless. It was a hard hit, but I’m all good. I don’t hold anything against him,” Young said post-match.

 

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Fans and Experts Divided

The decision to let Walsh off without a ban has reignited debate over consistency in officiating and how the game handles mid-air contact.

Former Kangaroos captain Cameron Smith, speaking on SEN Radio, supported the outcome:

> “If you slow that down frame by frame, it looks bad. But at full speed, it’s two blokes contesting a ball. You can’t take every bit of intent out of the game. Reece didn’t go in to hurt him.”

 

However, English legend Sam Tomkins disagreed on Sky Sports:

> “That kind of hit, even accidental, needs stronger deterrence. We talk about player safety all the time — this was dangerous, no question.”

 

Social media echoed that divide. Some fans accused the NRL judiciary of favoritism, claiming a player from a smaller nation wouldn’t have been treated as leniently. Others applauded the decision as common sense, arguing the sport risks over-policing natural contests.

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Reece Walsh Responds

Walsh himself remained humble in his first comments since the verdict, saying he was “grateful” to have avoided suspension but emphasizing he never intended to hurt his opponent.

> “It was a freakish moment — I was just trying to get to the ball first,” Walsh said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Don and the England boys. It’s all part of the game, but I’ve got to be smarter in those contests.”

 

The 22-year-old admitted that the last few days had been stressful as he awaited the judiciary’s ruling but said his focus was now fully on helping Australia close out the series.

> “We’ve got a job to finish. I’m just happy to be out there with the boys again,” he added.

 

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What It Means for the Kangaroos

Walsh’s availability is a massive boost for the Kangaroos ahead of the final Test. His pace, footwork, and creativity from the back have been instrumental throughout the series. Despite a quieter second match — partly due to his sin bin stint — Walsh remains one of Australia’s most potent attacking weapons.

His combination with Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary has given the Kangaroos a cutting edge that few teams can match. The team will now look to seal the series in style and send a message ahead of next year’s Rugby League World Cup.

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Looking Ahead

As the dust settles, one thing is clear — Reece Walsh remains a headline act in international rugby league. Whether dazzling with his electric runs or courting controversy with his fiery competitiveness, the young fullback continues to capture the imagination of fans around the world.

The Ashes finale promises to be a blockbuster, with England desperate to salvage pride and Australia aiming for dominance. And with Walsh cleared to play, the spectacle just got even brighter.

As one fan put it perfectly online:

> “Love him or hate him — Reece Walsh makes rugby league worth watching.”

 

Free to play, fired up, and ready for redemption — Reece Walsh is back.