Maroons coach reveals thinking behind huge call on Reece Walsh

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has revealed why Broncos superstar Reece Walsh was overlooked for the State of Origin series opener, as Roosters’ halfback Sam Walker readies for a debut to replace an injured superstar.

Queensland’s first team for the 2026 Origin series was officially named on Monday morning, confirming speculation that Walsh had been usurped for the No.1 jumper by Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga, having endured a hot-and-cold comeback from a fractured cheekbone three weeks ago.

Maroons coach Billy Slater told reporters it was a difficult decision to keep the incumbent Kangaroos No.1 and reigning Clive Churchill Medal winner on the outer, but insisted Walsh would be seen in a Maroons jersey again.

“I think we’ve all seen what Kalyn’s done at this level, but also in his return when he’s played for the Knights this year. He’s in exceptional form, and I feel Kalyn’s best position is fullback,” Slater said.

“He’s in a real sweet spot in his career and life, I think he’s really balanced. We’ve seen Reece play at this level a couple of years ago, and he was probably one of the most influential players in the Queensland team in that series in 2023.

“We know what he’s capable of, he knows what he’s capable of, and he has a really good understanding of the things he focuses on when he plays his best football.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Reece and have a lot of time for him, I love the way he plays his footy, and he’s getting there.”

Slater’s call to select Ponga as his fullback at the expense of Walsh comes even as Ponga was floated as a halfback contender.

Instead, Walker will achieve what his father and uncle – former Broncos stars Ben and Shane – did not when he dons the Maroons jersey, after superstar Tom Dearden suffered a serious syndesmosis “high ankle” injury.

“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.

Walker had been heavily favoured to clinch the halfback duties before some defensive deficiencies were exposed in the past two weeks.

He does, however, bring one of the most complete short kicking games to the table, and his creative instincts have drawn comparisons to Maroons great Allan Langer.

“People questioned whether Alf [Langer] could do it because of his size, people questioned whether Alf could do it because of his defence, but Alf could do things that a lot of other players couldn’t,” Queensland and Broncos legend Darren Lockyer said on Friday.

“He had his small kicking game, had an ability to read the game ... there are a lot of similarities there. I remember when I played people questioned my defence too, so I think it just motivates you more to be better at it.

“I suspect given the talk around Sam and his defence … that’ll make him better.”

Queensland’s other fullback contender, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, has been named in the centres, and will be joined by three Dolphins teammates, with Max Plath garnering a debut at lock, while Selwyn Cobbo and Thomas Flegler will make their returns to the interstate arena.

It is an emotional call-up for Flegler, who battled fears his career would be over after suffering nerve damage in his shoulder in the early rounds of the 2024 campaign. He only made his way back to the field this year.

Meanwhile, Cobbo has overcome a frustrating end to his time at the Broncos last year – in which a late-season hamstring injury kept him from featuring in the triumphant grand final side – to find his best form in Redcliffe.

The 23-year-old has cut a noticeably leaner figure since the preseason, and his work rate has improved drastically under coach Kristian Woolf.

“He’s ready to go back in that arena. You’ve seen how he played at the start of the year, his carries out of yardage … he’s a special talent,” Tabuai-Fidow said of Cobbo, following the Dolphins’ Magic Round win against the Rabbitohs.

“I think him going back into Origin camp it’ll be a big confidence boost for him. When he first came to the club he was happy and the boys loved having him around, and his work ethic [is something] he’s worked on throughout the preseason.

“It shows out there, he’s a special player and has still got a long way to go too.”

Jojo Fifita will debut on the other wing despite a poor Magic Round outing for the Titans – coming up with four errors.

No room could be found for breakout edge forwards Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, with Kurt Capewell and Reuben Cotter retaining their places.

“What you’ve done in the Queensland jersey prior certainly comes into calculations when you make decisions,” Slater said.

Pat Carrigan has been named on the six-man bench despite being placed on report for a crusher tackle in the Broncos’ loss to the Warriors at the weekend, alongside club teammates Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki.

Briton Nikora will become Queensland’s first player to benefit from the NRL’s eligibility law changes, which allow those who have represented tier one Test nations to play Origin, provided they began playing junior rugby league in their respective states before their 13th birthday.

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