Reece Walsh was one of Queensland's best in a disappointing State of Origin decider loss and now he wants to springboard into clubland and lead Brisbane to an unlikely finals appearance.
Walsh's Origin Impact
Last year Walsh caught fire at fullback and Brisbane won seven games in a row to claim the premiership. The 16th-placed defending premiers must win eight from eight now just to play finals but Walsh inspired a miracle last year and he's hell bent on doing it again.
His six tackle breaks and confident passing, running and kicking game in 36 minutes of flair in the halves off the bench in the Maroons' 30-12 loss on Wednesday night was elite.
"Whenever you get into these environments and can learn from some of the greatest players and play against the best in the game, it only puts you in a better position," Walsh said. "We're battling a bit back at the Broncos, but I still feel we've got a lot of fight left in us. We'll get back there, work our backsides off like we have been, and let our actions do the talking."
Belief in a Finals Run
"Of course, we can make a run to the finals. If we can get a consistent team on the park and build some continuity, I feel like if there's any team in the competition that can come from where we are, it's us. The boys are already back training, and I can't wait to get back with my brothers, go to war with them and take on this challenge head-on."
Maroons skipper Cameron Munster said Walsh, who was starting fullback in 2023 and 2024 for Queensland, did so well in second receiver role when he came on that he could do it in future for the Maroons.
"I can't see why Reece Walsh can't be back in the (starting) side. You look at Darren Lockyer. He transitioned from fullback to five-eighth and he was pretty handy," Munster said. "If you need to find a position for Reece, who knows? You've got Tom Dearden and Sam Walker there. It's a good little arsenal. You've still got Ezra Mam as well. It's exciting times for Queensland."
Walsh Open to Halves Role
Told of Munster's remarks, Walsh said he was up for the challenge. "I grew up playing in the halves, so I don't mind it. I'd obviously need a bit more practice there, but it might be something for the future," he said. "I actually enjoyed it. There wasn't as much running, so that was nice. I don't think I did anything special. Queensland needed me to do my job and I tried to do that as best I could. Obviously, we didn't get the result, and at the end of the day that's all that matters."
Maroons coach Billy Slater said Walsh's injection was "just what we needed" and added spark to an attempted comeback. "It's nice to hear those comments, but I've just got to work hard, put my head down and let my footy do the talking," Walsh said.
