In a huge blow for the Brisbane Broncos, star fullback Reece Walsh has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2023 grand final rematch against the Panthers after a brutal head clash in the first half.
The 21-year-old clashed mid-air with Taylan May from Penrith just five minutes into the game.
Vision showed blood gushing from Walsh's left eye as he was rushed to the bench.
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May was put on report for his hit on Walsh.
"He's just been opened up," Brad Fittler said in commentary for Nine.
Meantime, the Broncos star was sent for an HIA, which he ended up passing.
However, the swelling had engulfed his left eye, meaning he was unable to see properly or catch a ball when it was thrown to him on the sidelines.
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Broncos assistant coach Matt Ballin confirmed at the main break that Walsh would not return, with the club
"He copped a fair whack in the head and he won't be back," Ballin told Nine.
Walsh's injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the Broncos, who were down by 20 points at half time.
Despite the blow, Ballin said it was a great test of the Broncos' character.
"There's a lot of belief. It's a good test for us, testing our resolve in this second half," he said.
Meantime, May also passed his HIA and returned to the play later in the second half.
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