Thirty-six minutes of Origin football for the Maroons in Game III has re-lit a fire in Reece Walsh to fight, do all the little things right and take that back to the Broncos for the back end of this season.
Injected into the game in the 44th minute after Sam Walker left the field for a HIA, the difference in energy was palpable, with coach Billy Slater noting “the injection of Reece and Jeremiah (Nanai) created some opportunities for us”.
Walsh looked dangerous from the outset, but it was to no avail, with the Blues finishing the game 30-12 victors to claim a 2-1 series win.
As Cameron Munster put it, "when he gets the ball in his hand, he's a freak player, very elusive... he's very scary".
"We tried to get as much ball to him as we could... it looked good at times, but we didn't get the chocolates," Munster said.
At full-time, a visibly emotional Walsh handed his boots to a young girl doing it tough, as a nod to her resilience.
Queensland gracious in defeat
“It’s always nice, being able to be with the Queenslanders, that support us through thick and thin,” Walsh said.
“That little girl said that she’d been through a bit. A true fighter… and that’s who we are as Queenslanders, we’re fighters. Backs against the wall. That’s what we do, we fight.
“To see that courage in her is very inspirational. To see warriors like that go through their battles and their journeys.”
Walsh, showing that same fight, had the Blues on edge with his speed and agility, busting out of six tackles, but his moment didn’t come in Game III.
Jojo Fifita Try
“It was good to get back out there,” he said.
“Obviously I wanted to stay ready through camps two and three. Got out there, we were in a tough spot… I just wanted to go out there and try and make a difference and do what I could for the team.
“I just went out there and did my job. I don't think I did anything special. I think Queensland and then the boys needed me to do my job and I tried to do that as best I could.
“We didn't get the result so it doesn't really matter at the end of the day, we didn't win.”
Walsh said he enjoyed playing in the halves for moments of the game, eager to play whatever role he needed to as the Maroons tried to claw their way back.
“I grew up playing in the halves… I actually enjoyed it a lot,” he said.
“That might be something for the future for myself.”
Walsh said being back in the Maroons environment had lifted his confidence heading back to the Broncos, who are riding an eight-game losing streak.
“Whenever you can get in these environments and be a sponge off some of the greatest players, go up against the greatest players in the game, I feel like it's only going to put yourself in a good position,” he said.
“We are battling back at home (at Broncos), but I feel like we've still got a lot of a lot of fight left in us.
“(I’ll) get back there, we'll work our backsides off, like we've been doing, and let our hard work and actions do the talking for us.”
The Broncos roster is looking more experienced, with key players like Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan back in action.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow Try
“If we can get that consistent team on paper and that continuity together, I feel like if there's any team in the comp that can come from where we are, I feel like it's us,” Walsh said.
“That starts with us working hard.
“Like I said, being in these environments, it shows all the little things that you need to do.
“I'm looking forward to the challenge of the back end of this year. I know our boys are eager to get stuck in, work hard. I know the boys are back training, working hard and I can't wait to get back with my brothers and go to war and take all this challenge head-on.
“I’d being lying if I said (Origin) didn’t give that inspiration and bit of hunger to get back to clubland and play good footy.
“At the end of the day, what I’m here for is to win a premiership. I just can’t wait to get back with my brothers, get around them and work towards finals with them.”
