Don't count your tiny Reece Walsh-shaped eggs before they hatch.
Queensland's State of Origin selection picture has been thrown into chaos after a devastating injury blow ruled out three key Maroons contenders – potentially opening the door for a shock Walsh recall.
Billy Slater is facing a major selection headache ahead of Origin II in Melbourne after Broncos stars Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki were both injured in Brisbane's loss to St George Illawarra on Sunday, joining halfback Tom Dearden on the sidelines.
Carrigan suffered a syndesmosis injury that is expected to keep him out for up to a month, while Shibasaki damaged his MCL and could miss the remainder of the Origin series.
The injuries leave Slater without three members of his wider Origin plans just weeks after Queensland fell 1-0 behind in the series following their Game I defeat.
The latest setback has sparked renewed calls for Walsh to be brought back into the Maroons fold.
The Broncos fullback was one of the biggest omissions when Slater named his squad for the series opener, with Kalyn Ponga preferred at fullback and Walsh overlooked after an interrupted season that included a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.
At the time, Slater admitted leaving Walsh out was a difficult call, praising the 22-year-old's impact during Queensland's victorious 2023 campaign but declaring Ponga's form impossible to ignore.
"We've seen Reece play at this level and we know what he's capable of," Slater said before Game I.
Now, circumstances may force a rethink.
Shibasaki's injury has created a vacancy on the extended bench, while Ezra Mam's struggles for form have only strengthened the argument for Walsh's return as a utility option.
The Broncos star had a mixed game in last week's loss to the Dragons, drawing criticism for his defensive performance but setting up two late tries as Brisbane launched a comeback after trailing by 22 points.
Veteran journalist Robert Craddock argued in the Courier Mail on Tuesday that Queensland should take the gamble.
"Queensland are one down in the series. They need an injection of stardust," Craddock wrote.
"Walsh may be below his best, but can you imagine the snap and crackle he could provide coming on with 15 minutes to play in Melbourne?"
Craddock argued a week in Origin camp under Slater – regarded as one of the greatest fullbacks the game has produced – could be exactly what Walsh needs to rediscover his best football.
Former NRL player and commentator Justin Horo has also questioned Queensland's decision to leave Walsh out of the Game I squad altogether.
"Imagine if he has Reece Walsh instead of Shibasaki or Ezra on the bench," Horo said on SEN.
"You can't tell me honestly, you would not have preferred Reece Walsh to come on the field with 20 minutes to go in that game."
While Walsh's chances appear to be improving, Slater still has significant holes to fill elsewhere.
Carrigan's absence leaves Queensland searching for another middle forward, with Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Heilum Luki, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh and Moeaki Fotuaika among the players expected to come under consideration.
But as the Maroons attempt to save their series, all eyes will be on whether Slater turns back to one of Queensland's most electrifying talents in a desperate bid to level the contest.
