Billy Slater has named six debutants in Queensland’s squad for State of Origin Game 1, and there is no room for Reece Walsh.
Slater unveiled his team on Monday morning and the major surprise is that the Queensland coach has dropped Walsh from the squad altogether, opting for Kalyn Ponga at fullback.
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Walsh hasn’t been at his scintillating best this year and his chances weren’t helped by the Broncos’ 42-12 loss to the Warriors on Sunday.
9.15am – Slater explains big calls
Billy Slater has spoken after naming his Queensland squad for Game 1, explaining the decision to pick Sam Walker and overlook Reece Walsh.
As for the decision to drop Walsh, Slater said: “It is difficult. But we’ve all seen what Kalyn’s done at this level and in his return when he’s played for the Knights this year.
“He’s in exceptional form. I feel like Kalyn’s best position is fullback. He’s really nailed it. He’s in a real sweet spot of his career and life at the moment. I think he’s really balanced, looking forward to helping him get after his game.”
Asked about Walsh, Slater said: “We know what he’s capable of. He’s got a really good understanding of the things he focuses on when he plays his best football.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Reece. I’ve got a lot of time for him. I love the way he plays his footy. He’s getting there.”
7.45am – Footy world reacts to Walsh axing
NSW fans will surely be breathing easier seeing Reece Walsh hasn’t been picked by Billy Slater.
“Billy Slater must have seen something he doesn’t like,” NRL reporter Adam Pengilly said on Sky Sports Big Breakfast about Walsh’s omission.
Ben Damon added: “Don’t you find a position for him somewhere on that extended bench for Queensland to have the most exciting player in rugby league?”.
“If I was picking the team, I’d pick Reece,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said.
“I’m obviously pretty fond of what he’s capable of doing, and I get to see it every day.
“He’s working hard, he’s doing things in the background, and I think no matter what happens with Reece … He knows he’s got to keep working hard at his game, and if he does that then those opportunities will come about at the right time.”
6.50am – New halfback among six Qld debutants
In the other major selection call, Roosters halfback Sam Walker will make his Origin debut in Queensland’s No. 7 jersey, getting the nod after Tom Dearden went down with injury.
There had been speculation Ponga could be picked in the halves, but Slater has opted for Walker to partner Maroons captain Cameron Munster.
Walker is one of several debutants named in Queensland’s squad.
Titans player Jojo Fifita has earned a spot on the wing, Dolphins utility Max Plath has been named in the No. 13 lock position, while Briton Nikora, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Ezra Mam are on the extended interchange bench.
Selwyn Cobbo has been recalled to the Maroons on the wing, while Robert Toia keeps his spot in the centres from last year and Gehamat Shibasaki is on the extended bench.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been picked in the centres.
Five Dolphins players are in the squad, including Tom Flegler, who is back in Queensland’s Origin squad for the first time since 2023 before he suffered a serious shoulder injury.
Incumbent Queensland forwards Linday Collins and Patrick Carrigan have been named on the bench.
Kiwi Test backrower Briton Nikora is the first Maroon to be picked under Origin’s new eligibility rules.
Storm winger Xavier Coates was unavailable for selection due to injury, while there was no room for Valentine Holmes, who is down on form for the Dragons.
QUEENSLAND 20-MAN SQUAD
1. Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
2. Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins)
3. Robert Toia (Roosters)
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)
5. Jojo Fifita (Titans)
6. Cameron Munster (Storm)
7. Sam Walker (Roosters)
8. Thomas Flegler (Dolphins)
9. Harry Grant (Storm)
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)
11. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys)
12. Kurt Capewell (Warriors)
13. Max Plath (Dolphins)
Interchange
14. Briton Nikora (Sharks)
15. Trent Loiero (Storm)
16. Lindsay Collins (Roosters)
17. Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
18. Ezra Mam (Broncos)
19. Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos)
20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins)
