Reece Walsh in the Running for Queensland’s Origin 2 Bench
Reece Walsh is emerging as a strong contender for a spot on the Queensland bench for State of Origin 2 following the unexpected absences of Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki. The news came on Monday, marking a significant setback for both the Maroons and the Brisbane Broncos. Carrigan sustained a syndesmosis injury during Round 13, which is expected to keep him out for three to four weeks. Meanwhile, Shibasaki suffered a Grade 2 MCL injury in the same game, potentially sidelining him for five to six weeks. This raises concerns that he might miss the rest of the Origin series.
Maroons coach Billy Slater now faces a tough challenge without three key players for the upcoming match. Adding to the difficulty, halfback Tom Dearden is not expected to return for another three weeks. With these setbacks, the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff to make strategic decisions that could influence the outcome of the series.
Shibasaki was not used on the six-man interchange bench in Origin 1, even after Kalyn Ponga was sent off. Instead, Slater made an unusual decision to move second-rower Kurt Capewell to centre, bypassing the opportunity to bring in Shibasaki on the field. This choice has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.
With Shibasaki’s injury and Ezra Mam struggling with form, there are growing calls for Slater to include Walsh in the lineup for Game 2. The Maroons opted not to feature Walsh in Game 1, believing he lacked confidence. However, recent signs suggest he may be ready to return. Notably, Walsh did not wear head-gear or a face guard during Sunday’s match against the Dragons, indicating he has fully recovered from his cheekbone fracture.
Although Walsh wasn’t at his best in that game, he contributed two late try assists, helping the Broncos narrow the gap to within four points after trailing by 22. These efforts have fueled speculation about his potential impact in the upcoming Origin clash.
Calls for Reece Walsh to Return for State of Origin 2
Leading journalist Robert Craddock highlighted the need for a change in strategy in The Courier Mail on Tuesday. He wrote, “Queensland are one down in the series. They need an injection of stardust. Walsh may be below his best but can you imagine the snap and crackle he could provide coming on with 15 minutes to play in Melbourne?”
NRL commentator Justin Horo also expressed his opinion after Game 1, suggesting that Slater missed an opportunity by not having Walsh on his bench. “Imagine if he had Reece Walsh instead of Shibasaki or Ezra on the bench?” Horo said on SEN radio. “And then you don’t change your edges because Kurt Capewell stays at edge and in the middle of the field. You can’t tell me honestly, you would not have preferred Reece Walsh to come on the field with 20 minutes to go on that game, please. I think Reece Walsh changes the dynamic (and) the look of the final 20 minutes.”
Potential Replacement for Carrigan
As for Carrigan’s replacement, several players are being considered for the bench. These include Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Heilum Luki, Tom Gilbert, Corey Horsburgh, and Moeaki Fotuaika. Each brings unique strengths that could help bolster the team’s chances in the upcoming match.
