After being recalled to the Maroons line-up on the extended bench, Reece Walsh was guaranteed a headline – despite not being guaranteed any game time.
Walsh’s omission from Game One was a hot-button topic for fans, and now with Maroons coach Billy Slater naming him in jersey No.18, how he’ll be used in the game – if at all – is the latest discussion.
For Walsh however, being back in camp and training with Slater was an opportunity he had been working for, after previously admitting he "probably hadn't been living up to the standards that it takes to wear the Queensland jersey” for the series opener.
“It feels good,” Walsh said.
“It is always something you want to be a part of, so I am pretty grateful to receive the call off Billy this time and be around the boys and catch up with everyone and see how they are going.”
As for what his role might be with Newcastle skipper Kalyn Ponga once again locked in as fullback, Walsh said he was ready for anything and could “bring some spark” to the team.
Slater discusses Origin II selections
“The way the game is going these days, the ball in play and the penalty count, it's crazy at the moment,” Walsh said.
“To have some big bodies tired through the middle, for myself, if I got the opportunity to go out there, I just want to go out there and do what's best for the team.
“Whether that might be in the front row, on the wing or in the halves, whatever it might be.
“That's where my mindset is at, preparing myself, but also preparing the boys and if I get an opportunity to do a job in whatever position, I will do it.
“I can bring some spark... I can be that point of difference, tired bodies, that's something I hunt for in games and if I do play a long time, I'm prepared to do it for the team.”
One option which has been raised was the prospect of Walsh filling in in the halves if needed, as hinted to by Slater who said he could step into a playmaking role.
Like Ponga – who was rumoured to be in consideration for a stint in at halfback before Slater decided to hand Sam Walker his Maroons debut – Walsh also had no qualms about filling in in the position.
“I played in the halves until I was about 17,” Walsh said.
“Obviously it's a bit different in the NRL, but the way I watch footy and the detail that I go into about footy, I wouldn't be shy off stepping into that position.
“There's a lot of great players out there that will make job easier anywhere I play, so I am looking forward to working hard this week and getting my body and mind right and doing a good job.”
Whatever the role, the 2025 Clive Churchill Medal winner knew he would be up for the job if he got the chance to take to the field.
“I've played in the Queensland jersey before,” Walsh said.
“It's a challenge every time you run out there and it's a game you want to be a part of.
“The best players in the world playing in one arena.
“I'm looking forward to putting in the work and if I get an opportunity to go out there and shine, I will give it a good crack.
“As a player in these environments you don't have to worry about too much, you are coming in here and worrying about yourself and you get your job right.
“It's the same with everybody around you.
“I have been in big games, I have experienced big games and I know what it takes to play in a big game. That's confidence in itself.”
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to get yours before they sell out.
