Sam Walker’s selection to make his State of Origin debut at halfback is both a look to the future from coach Billy Slater and a nod to Queensland’s past.
With the Walker family name etched in Maroons history, the elevation of the unconventional playmaker to the Maroons number seven jersey harkens back to time of another cheeky halfback from Ipswich to make his mark in the Origin arena.
Like Allan ‘Alfie’ Langer, Walker played junior rugby league at Norths Tigers, developing an instinctive and – according to Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga – “not very systematic” style of football.
However, with his father Ben and uncles Shane and Chris having all played NRL – with Chris donning the maroon jersey on six occasions – rugby league was always in the blood.
Ben played at the Broncos with Langer and while keen to be his own man, Walker said it was "an honour” to be likened to one of Queensland’s greatest ever players from a quintessential Queensland regional rugby league heartland.
“I am really proud of where I am from,” Walker said.
“Ipswich is such a passionate place for rugby league fans and to represent them and everything they have done for me as well, all of my junior clubs and the school I went to in Ipswich is something they are proud of as well.
“I guess I was probably moulded (by the way Langer plays).
“Dad loved watching him play and I guess my game often gets comparisons with the similar way I play.
“It is such an honour to be compared to someone like him. It is an honour to be compared to someone like that and exciting as well. I spent a lot of time working on the little crafts in my game and I will continue to build them as I go.”
With incumbent halfback Tom Dearden ruled out with injury, Slater had a number of options to replace last year's Wally Lewis Medal winner, including experimenting with Kalyn Ponga in the role, but for him, Walker was the right fit.
“I don't think you'd be doing your due diligence and respecting your position as the coach if you didn't look at all options, but we do really feel confident about Sam Walker being the best option to play halfback for Queensland," Slater said.
“I know how much he loves this state.
"Growing up in Ipswich, just west of Brisbane, I can just imagine him in the backyard dreaming of playing for Queensland with the number seven on his back.
“It gives me chills thinking about it. Can't wait to see him in camp.
"He's an infectious little lad and looking forward to helping him get his game on.
“I know he'll unlock plenty of the players around him as well.
“I had a few really good phone calls, a couple of tough ones, but some really good phone calls. Sam was one.
“I could imagine how he felt when he received the news that he was going to play for Queensland for the first time. Like I said before, I'm sure he's dreamt of that moment."
Seen as a bit of a risk taker on the field, his pairing with Maroons captain and five-eighth Cameron Munster has many wondering what to expect, with both players known for their off-the-cuff play.
When asked if he would continue to “throw caution to the wind” if the situation arises, Walker said he felt comfortable playing his natural game.
“For sure, I think that’s why I am here,” Walker said.
“I will play my game – but also adapt to everyone else around me and get an understanding of how Queensland play as well.
“I am sure I will have that home base and add my football on top of that.
“I'm really excited (to be pairing up with Munster).
“It'll be a lot of work this week to get used to each other's games … (but) I'm really excited to see his philosophies and how he wants to play and how I can add mine on top of that as well.”
