Reece Walsh has declared he is ready to be inserted in the halves or anywhere Queensland put him as he prepares to venture into the unknown in his State of Origin recall.
The 23-year-old Brisbane fullback, named at No.18 ahead of the Origin showdown in Melbourne on June 17, grew up playing in the halves and is also cover should there be an injury to the Maroons playmakers.
Walsh is also aware that starting fullback Kalyn Ponga debuted for the Maroons in 2018 in a roving lock position and did a great job.
“The way the game is going these days, the ball in play and the penalty count, it’s crazy at the moment,” Walsh said.
“I can bring some spark and be that point of difference. Tired bodies, that’s something I hunt for in games and if I do play a short or long time, I’m prepared to do it for the team.
“I just want to 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.”
Walsh was a little testy, however, when a reporter asked him about his form.
“Oh, I think the only opinion that matters is your guys’, I guess,” he said.
When the question about his form was repeated, Walsh responded: “Well, what do you think of it?”
Reporter: “I think you go alright, mate ... better than I could do.”
Walsh sarcastically replied: “I appreciate that ... no, I appreciate.”
Meanwhile, coach Billy Slater said on Monday he had faith Walsh provided viable halves cover, even though he is known as a dazzling custodian.
“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 of stepping into that position.
“There’s a lot of great players out there that will make job easier anywhere I play.”
Walsh’s form has not reached the heights of 2025 when he led the Broncos to premiership glory but he has played behind a pack in club football that has done him no favours.
Slater, however, believes in him and that’s something Walsh is absorbing.
“It’s massive to be able to be a sponge around Bill. He has so much detail, so much knowledge in the game, he has been there and done it,” Walsh said.
“To be able to rub shoulders with all the coaching staff and the players here ... you get to learn new things and that’s something I really enjoy about this week and being coached by Bill.”
The prospect of Walsh and Ponga on the same field together is a potentially intoxicating one for Maroons fans.
“Every time he wears the Queensland and Newcastle jersey, he puts everything into every single moment,” Walsh said on Ponga.
“I feel like us together would be pretty cool, it would be pretty scary to be honest.”
Walsh has played five games for the Maroons and performed well so he won’t be daunted.
“I have experienced big games and I know what it takes to play in a big game,” he said.
“That’s confidence in itself.
“I am pretty grateful to receive the call off Billy this time.
“We have a long week ahead of us and 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.”
