Queensland’s State of Origin Selection Sparks Controversy
Queensland’s State of Origin selection has taken an unexpected turn as the Maroons side prepares for Game 1. Cameron Smith, a Queensland legend and assistant coach of the Brisbane Broncos, has made a bold decision by leaving Reece Walsh out of the team. This move has sparked significant debate among fans and analysts alike.
Maroons coach Billy Slater is set to announce his final squad in less than a week. With one more game to impress during the Magic Round, players are under pressure to secure their spots. One of the most talked-about decisions is who will wear the No.1 jersey, traditionally a key position in the team.
Walsh, the Broncos’ fullback, had been a strong contender for the role after a stellar finish to the 2025 NRL season. His performance helped the Broncos win the premiership, making him a favorite for the position. However, his form has dipped slightly following a cheekbone injury, which may have affected his overall performance.
Additionally, the Broncos have faced challenges with several players missing from the lineup, contributing to a slump in their form. Walsh’s performances have also been overshadowed by the impressive return of Kalyn Ponga. The Knights’ fullback has come back in sensational form, tearing apart both the Rabbitohs and Dragons in his two weeks back from a hamstring injury.
Ponga was the incumbent fullback under Slater until his injury heading into Game 3 last year. Smith acknowledged that Ponga’s recent form is too strong to ignore. In a surprising move, Smith has opted to leave Walsh out of the Game 1 side entirely, choosing Ponga at fullback and Sam Walker to wear the No.7 jersey alongside captain Cameron Munster.
“With the form Kalyn Ponga has shown since coming back from the six-week hamstring injury, I think he has got to be there. He started the series there, The Hammer finished the series in Game 3 and got the great victory for Queensland in the decider. But if you look through my line-up, it’s the bulk of that team from Game 3 with Ponga coming back in,” Smith said on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy.
Smith explained that he left Walsh out because players like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could step in as fullbacks in case of injury. He also selected Max Plath on his extended interchange bench.
“If you look through the line-up, there are plenty of fullbacks already. Having a Reece Walsh on the bench, it’s probably a wasted position. So I have gone for Max Plath.”
Billy Slater Faces Tough Halfback Decision
Slater now faces one of his biggest selection dilemmas as he decides who will partner Munster in the halves. Tom Dearden is likely to miss the State of Origin series after injuring his ankle against the Eels. Captain Munster will line up in either the six or seven jersey in Dearden’s absence.
Who plays alongside him now becomes Slater’s biggest selection challenge. Smith has chosen Roosters halfback Walker to wear the No.7 jersey and make his Origin debut.
Others are calling for Daly Cherry-Evans to return after being dropped last year. Corey Parker has suggested that Tanah Boyd should be considered, given his leadership role in leading the Warriors to second on the ladder.
