Reece Walsh Back in Lineup as Broncos Star Dropped for Origin 2 Squad

Queensland Team for State of Origin 2 Revealed

The Queensland team for State of Origin 2 has been officially revealed, with several notable changes and player recalls. Reece Walsh has been given a second chance to prove himself after being left out of the squad for Game 1. However, his Broncos teammate Ezra Mam has been dropped following a poor performance in the previous game.

Billy Slater is expected to finalize the team on Monday, but the 20-player squad has already been made public through various media outlets. The team includes several key players who will be looking to secure a win in the upcoming match.

Key Changes in the Squad

Briton Nikora has been promoted to start in the second row, with Reuben Cotter moving to lock. Max Plath has been moved from lock to the bench, as he will cover for the injured Pat Carrigan. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is also on the six-man bench, having served as the 20th man for Game 1.

This means that the Dolphins forward is in line for his Origin debut if he takes the field in Game 2. Another new face on the bench is Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi, who replaces the injured Gehamat Shibasaki. Cowboys forward Heilum Luki has been named as the new 20th man.

Reece Walsh’s return to the team comes at the expense of Broncos teammate Ezra Mam. While Walsh’s form at club level hasn’t been consistent, Mam’s performance has been even worse. The five-eighth was recently dropped to the bench by Michael Maguire for the Broncos’ clash with the Titans. When he did get on the field, he didn’t do much to earn a recall.

Mam had a particularly poor performance in the dying stages of the game, where he ignored a massive overlap on the right, opting for the short side instead. This decision cost the Broncos a chance to snatch a late victory against Gold Coast.

Reece Walsh’s Recall and Form

Despite his inconsistent form, Walsh has been recalled to the team for State of Origin 2. He was controversially left out of Billy Slater’s squad for Game 1, but now finds himself back in the team despite some patchy performances for the Broncos. Walsh has shown flashes of brilliance against the Dragons and Titans, but has not been at his best overall.

The fullback has been dealing with a glute injury, but coach Michael Maguire insists he is fine. “No, not really [he hasn’t been off]. He’s fine to get up and about,” Maguire said after Saturday night’s loss. He added, “There are other moments in the games where he’s coming up with some pretty spectacular plays so what do you call off? I would pick him (for Origin)… he’s a match-winner and everyone knows what he’s capable of in big games.”