<h2>Reece Walsh Avoids Suspension – Four Pointer Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Reece Walsh avoids NRL suspension for headbutt on Hudson Young, free to play preliminary final.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Pat Carrigan faces a one-to-two match ban for high tackle on Morgan Smithies.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Broncos advance to preliminary final after thrilling 29-28 golden point victory over Raiders.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Brisbane will play either Canterbury or Penrith in a fortnight’s time at Suncorp Stadium.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Reece Walsh Dodges Suspension Bullet</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Mercurial fullback Reece Walsh will be free to take the field in Brisbane's preliminary final after receiving only a grade-one striking charge for his headbutt on Hudson Young during Sunday's epic encounter.</p> <p>Walsh can accept a $3,000 fine with an early guilty plea, avoiding the two-match suspension that would have ruled him out of both the preliminary final and potential grand final appearance.</p> <p>The 23-year-old star also copped an additional $1,800 fine for his inappropriate gesture towards Canberra supporters as he departed to the sin bin.</p> <p>The incident occurred in the 53rd minute when Walsh pushed his head into Young's face after the Raiders enforcer celebrated in front of him following a Broncos turnover.</p> <p>Both players were sin-binned for the altercation, with referee Ashley Klein dismissing Young for initiating the confrontation that prompted Walsh's reaction.</p> <p>Raiders coach Ricky Stuart expressed his dismay post-match, claiming officials had "set a precedent" by not sending Walsh off for the headbutt.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carrigan Facing Ban</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Stand-in captain Pat Carrigan faces a more serious predicament, confronting a potential one-to-two match suspension for his high tackle on Morgan Smithies.</p> <p>The grade-two careless high tackle charge means Carrigan can accept a one-game ban with an early guilty plea or risk missing both the preliminary final and grand final if he contests the charge unsuccessfully.</p> <p>The dual sin-binning left Brisbane playing with 11 men against 12, allowing Canberra to extend their lead to 28-12.</p> <p>However, Walsh's return with 18 minutes remaining sparked an extraordinary comeback that culminated in Ben Hunt's 94th-minute field goal securing the golden point victory.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Preliminary Final Implications</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Walsh's availability is crucial for Brisbane's preliminary final aspirations, with the dynamic fullback having orchestrated the stunning comeback after his sin-bin period.</p> <p>His performance included a try, an assist, and a crucial 40/20 kick that provided Brisbane with additional scoring opportunities.</p> <p>The Broncos face potential personnel challenges beyond the Carrigan situation, with concerns over Brendan Piakura's injured cheekbone and Payne Haas nursing an ankle injury sustained during the marathon 94-minute encounter.</p> <p>The team remains hopeful captain Adam Reynolds will return from his hamstring strain for the preliminary final.</p> <p>Brisbane's advancement to the preliminary final represents their reward for Sunday's thrilling contest, earning them a week's rest before facing either Canterbury or Penrith.</p> <p>The break provides valuable recovery time for their banged-up squad as they chase their first grand final appearance since 2015.</p> <p>Walsh's escaping serious punishment ensures Brisbane retains their most explosive attacking weapon for their preliminary final clash, maintaining their genuine premiership credentials heading into the business end of the NRL season.</p> <p>With Walsh now free to play, can Brisbane go all the way?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/rugby-league/nrl/nrl-grand-final-winner-2025-8616768">Check out Sportsbet’s 2025 NRL Premiership Odds</a></p>