Reece Walsh’s Path to State of Origin Looks More Viable
Reece Walsh might be edging closer to a return to the Queensland Maroons squad after a significant decision by Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire. The coach opted to drop Ezra Mam from the starting lineup due to his poor form, which has sparked discussions about potential changes in the team’s strategy and player selection.
The Broncos suffered their most embarrassing loss of the season, falling 30-26 to the Dragons. This defeat was a major blow for the team, especially given the high expectations they had set for themselves this year. Payne Haas, a key player, was particularly critical of the team’s performance, stating that they weren’t backing up their words with actions on the field. Following the loss, Maguire was seen giving a strong dressing-down to the players, emphasizing the need for improvement.
This loss places the Broncos in a difficult position as they now face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the Top 8. Currently sitting in 10th place, they are four points behind the Wests Tigers. With a challenging run-in against Top 8 teams, the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff to make necessary adjustments.
Maguire’s decision to bench Mam has not gone unnoticed. Mam was initially selected in Billy Slater’s Queensland squad for Game 1 but remained an unused substitute. His inclusion for Game 2 now seems unlikely, as he has been dropped from the starting side for the upcoming match against the Titans. Despite his impressive stats this season—three tries, nine try assists, and seven linebreak assists—Mam’s defensive shortcomings and inconsistency have raised concerns.
Greg Alexander, a well-known rugby league commentator, highlighted these issues on SEN Radio, stating that Mam hasn’t been playing at his best and lacks the sharpness he showed in previous seasons. This situation opens the door for a potential recall of Reece Walsh.
Walsh faced some criticism for his performance in the recent game against the Dragons, but he also played a crucial role in a late surge for the Broncos with two try assists. Queensland coach Billy Slater came under scrutiny for not having Walsh on the bench when Kalyn Ponga was sent off. With the upcoming Game 2 being a must-win for Queensland, there is speculation that Walsh could be brought into the squad to provide a much-needed X-factor.
Several factors are working in Walsh’s favor for a potential call-up. Injuries to key players on the Queensland bench have created a need for fresh faces. Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki were ruled out on Monday after sustaining injuries during the loss to the Dragons. Shibasaki, who was an unused interchange in Game 1, will not be available for the Melbourne trip. This means Slater will have to reshuffle his bench, creating an opportunity for Walsh to step in.
With the current challenges facing the Queensland squad, the stage is set for a possible resurgence of Reece Walsh in the State of Origin series. The combination of injuries, form issues, and strategic decisions could lead to a significant shift in the team’s dynamics. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Walsh can capitalize on this opportunity and make a lasting impact.
