Reece Walsh has rubbed salt into Stefano Utoikamanu’s wounds after the Melbourne Storm forward’s pre-match barbs backfired brutally on Sunday night. Walsh produced a stunning display to deliver the Broncos their first premiership in 19 years, storming home to win 26-22 after they trailed 22-10 at half-time.
In the post-match celebrations, the star fullback was quick to kick Utoikamanu while he was down. Video has emerged on social media of Walsh taking a swipe at the Melbourne Storm player while in a huddle with teammates in the dressing sheds.
Walsh can be heard saying: “Stefano’s stuck, we’re f***ing up baby!” Walsh also posted a photo looking sad, writing: “He stuck we up.”
Reece Walsh (L) took a post-game swipe back at Stefano Utoikamanu (far right). Image: Reece Walsh/Getty
Walsh’s barbs are in reference to pre-game comments from Utoikamanu in which he said he didn’t like the Broncos because certain players were “stuck-up”. He said: “I’m going to make sure I set up this week to get that first kick of the game – there are going to be a lot of people I want to run at, a lot of people I don’t like on this team,” he said.
“I don’t want to name names, there are a lot of people I think are a bit stuck up. I’m pretty keen just to run out and do a job for our team.”
Reece Walsh was all too happy to rub salt into Stefano Utoikamanu’s wounds. Image: Getty
Utoikamanu doubled down later in the week when asked what his favourite grand final moment was. “My favourite grand final moment is going to be next week when we win it,” he declared.
Unfortunately for Utoikamanu he didn’t exactly back up his words on the field. The NSW State of Origin prop had 10 runs for 99 metres in 56 minutes on the field, although he did have six tackle breaks. He made 32 tackles but missed four.
Reece Walsh stuns as Broncos win NRL grand final
As for Walsh, he produced one of the all-time grand final performances to win the Clive Churchill medal. The fullback scored a stunning solo try in the first half and laid on three others, and then made an incredible try-saving tackle on Ryan Papenhuyzen at the death that saved the game.
“I’m a bit lost for words at the moment,” Walsh said when accepting his Clive Churchill medal. “I just want to thank the Melbourne Storm, (coach) Craig Bellamy and his team.
“(To the Broncos) I bloody appreciate youse. ‘Madge’ (coach Michael Maguire), the coaching staff, I love youse. If it wasn’t for all those defensive sets on our line, I don’t think we’d be here. I love youse all.”
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Broncos legend Darren Lockyer told AAP: “I’ve never seen an individual dominate a grand final like that. Nathan Cleary did it a couple years ago, but that’s one of the best individuals performances. We talk about his speed and flashiness, but tonight it’s toughness, especially. He’s such a team-focused person. He does all this stuff to help the team win!'”
with AAP