As I see it there are 2 aspects to this;
The players involved are of similar size, it’s not a case of a big guy beating up a small guy. There is a high closing speed, both players are very quick, so not a lot of time for either to change direction or attitude. There is no time for malice, no time for May to think how can I hit this guy to achieve the maximum damage. It’s a head clash, not an arm or shoulder to the head. There was just as much chance of May getting injured as Walsh, down to the luck of where the heads made contact.
Secondly, I’m sure the Penrith players would have watched countless hours of Walsh attacking and been coached on strategies to cut him off before he gets going. Hit him early, before he can step or build any pace, before he has time to look for gaps. Also by cutting down his time you get him guessing what his move is, put doubt in his mind. Plus a little bit of fear goes a long way in lessoning his free running, no one can touch me attitude.
Hopefully Ciraldo can get our guys to do the same.
Always a Bulldog