LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a fiery turn of events on the field, Broncos coach Kevin Walters has unleashed a scathing attack on the NRL after Taylan May escaped punishment for his collision with superstar fullback Reece Walsh, leaving the young gun reeling.
The reigning champions delivered a brutal 34-12 defeat to the Broncos on Thursday night, despite missing key players Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas in the highly anticipated NRL grand final rematch.
Walsh was left incapacitated early in the game as May rushed out of the line in a clumsy attempt to tackle the fullback, resulting in a head clash that left Walsh with vision problems.
Further scans revealed a fracture that will sideline Walsh for 4-6 weeks, leaving the Broncos without a key player in their lineup.
While the Panthers breathed a sigh of relief when May escaped punishment, Walters was left seething on behalf of his player.
The debate around whether May should have faced consequences for the reckless collision continues to rage, with Walters emphasizing the importance of player safety in the sport.
"I'm a bit confused about the rules, mate.
Where's the duty of care for the players?" Walters questioned, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement to protect players on the field.
Amidst the heated exchange of words and emotions, the NRL faces scrutiny over its handling of incidents like this one, raising concerns about the safety of Rugby League players in the game.