Kevin Walters calls for left-field Reece Walsh move in Origin 2 amid ‘terrifying’ NSW claim
The former Queensland coach feels Billy Slater might have to think differently for Game 2.
Reece Walsh has hinted it could be ‘scary’ if he enters the field with Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga after earning a recall for State of Origin Game 2. This follows comments from former Queensland coach Kevin Walters that Slater could bring Walsh on earlier than expected and move Kalyn Ponga into a roaming role for the must-win game.
Walsh’s omission for Game 1 was arguably Slater’s biggest call. Ponga played well up until he was given his marching orders, which swung the momentum in NSW’s favour as Ethan Strange and Nathan Cleary led the Blues to a famous comeback win.
Kevin Walters has suggested Billy Slater (pictured left) could bring Reece Walsh (pictured middle) on at fullback and move Kalyn Ponga into a roaming role for State of Origin Game 2. (Images: Getty Images)
Walsh’s omission meant he had two NRL games to show Slater he was back to his best form that helped the Broncos win the NRL premiership in 2025. But the fullback struggled as the Broncos lost both games.
Regardless, injuries and a change of tactics has seen Walsh recalled on the bench for Game 2. Walsh offers coverage at fullback and in the halves.
He could also be used to ignite the attack if Queensland are down and chasing the game. Walsh was asked on Tuesday about what he expected his role to be. And he did hint it could be dangerous for NSW if Ponga and himself were on the field at the same time.
“Every time he wears the Queensland and Newcastle jersey, he puts everything into every single moment,” Walsh said on Ponga. “I feel like us together would be pretty cool, it would be pretty scary to be honest.”
Kevin Walters predicts left-field option for Walsh
While Walsh isn’t so sure how he will be used, former Queensland coach Walters feels we could see the fullback brought into the game sooner than expected. The current Australia coach, who selected Walsh to play fullback in the tour of England, feels Ponga could be the one moving into a different role as the NSW forwards gets tired.
“I’m sure he isn’t just going to bring him in and park him on the pine,” Walters said on the Inside Ball Podcast. “He’ll have a plan, Billy, around Reece. Something I think he could do…would be bring Reece on around the 30 minute mark.
“Move Ponga into the middle and let him play as a middle forward and leave Reece at fullback. Let that play out for 10 minutes before half-time, 10 minutes after. See how that goes. Because Queensland need to attack this game to win.” Walters added: “So even just having Reece in the side…it gets them thinking about how he is going to be used in the game.”
Reece Walsh entering Game 2 a ‘terrifying’ move
NSW Blues great Greg Alexander agreed with Walters and admitted it was a good call to include Walsh. “I would rather he not be there. I think that’s a good selection. Ezra Mam made sense for Game 1…if there is an injury to a half, you are happy to move Kalyn Ponga into the halves and Reece Walsh at the back,” Alexander said.
SEN Radio host Jimmy Smith said it was a ‘terrifying’ prospect thinking about what Walsh could do off the bench for Queensland. “It would be terrifying if it’s 14-12 in favour of NSW, with 20 minutes remaining, that terrifies me,” Smith said about Walsh’s selection on the bench.