Reece Walsh Reflects on Queensland Selection and Personal Growth
Reece Walsh, the Brisbane Broncos fullback, expressed his disappointment at missing out on the Queensland selection for the first game of the State of Origin series. However, he also shared a candid reflection on why he was overlooked.
“I know the standards it takes to play for Queensland and I’m honest with myself. I probably haven’t been living up to those standards,” Walsh said. “That’s what makes it so great. Once you put that jersey on, you know what it takes to get back there.”
Walsh, who is 23 years old, was not selected as the fullback in the opening match, with Kalyn Ponga taking the spot instead. There was also no place for him on the bench, where his teammates Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki were named but did not play in the 22-20 loss to New South Wales.
Shibasaki will miss the rest of the Origin series due to a knee injury, and Mam has been moved to the Broncos bench for the upcoming home game against Gold Coast. This presents an opportunity for Walsh to make a strong case for a recall and add to his five previous Maroons games.
Last year, Walsh had a standout performance in the corresponding match against the Titans, which marked the start of his impressive late-season surge. However, after a string of four consecutive losses, Walsh has shifted his focus to helping the Broncos turn their season around.
“It’d be nice to be in that arena and be amongst the Queenslanders again, but my full focus right now is playing good footy for the Broncos and working really hard here in this building. Whatever comes, comes,” Walsh said.
He emphasized that his efforts are focused on improving his standards and the areas he needs to work on. “I’m not a selector and I’m not the one who makes the call, so that’s up to them.”
Walsh’s attacking statistics have declined this season compared to his outstanding 2025 campaign, which saw him lead the team to a premiership. He is currently averaging 121 meters per game, the lowest figure in his four years at the Broncos, and below the 148 meters average from last season. Additionally, he has six try assists in nine matches, which is lower than the 26 he recorded in 21 games last year.
Walsh returned from a four-week absence due to a fractured cheek, and since then, the Broncos have not won any of the four games they’ve played. However, he pointed out that this is not solely his fault, as his teammates have also struggled with form.
He wore modified headgear until last week’s 30-26 loss to St George Illawarra and appeared to lack his usual speed. “I wouldn’t say it’s a confidence issue. I go out there with a blueprint for how I play footy,” Walsh said. “It was sore at times, but I’ve had the injury before and I understand it and can push through it.”
The Broncos will wear their black NRL mental health round jersey against the Titans, a gesture that holds special significance for Walsh. “I think it’s a conversation starter for people out there who might be going through something,” he said. “Whether that be on the field, off it, on a construction site or at school for young kids, it’s really important that we spread awareness and the message that it’s OK to be vulnerable and talk to your mate.”
