‘He’ll be ready’: Walsh still in Slater’s Maroons plans

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‘He’ll be ready’: Walsh still in Slater’s Maroons plans

The chances of Brisbane star fullback Reece Walsh playing for Queensland this year are alive and kicking after his endorsement by coach Billy Slater.

The 22-year-old made a stunning return from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury in the Broncos’ 44-14 win over Gold Coast on Saturday after a six-week absence, scoring two tries and having a hand in two others while running for 163m.

Walsh was the incumbent Maroons fullback but his injury opened the door for Newcastle captain Kalyn Ponga to return to the No.1 jersey for the 18-6 loss in game one at Suncorp Stadium.

While Walsh has not played enough football in the last two months to dislodge Ponga for game two in Perth, he is very much in Slater’s thoughts for this series.

Walsh, with his typical verve, had a message for Slater after his display against the Titans when he declared he was ready for a recall in game three in Sydney.

“When you are a Queenslander, that’s all you want to do,” Walsh said.

“If Billy needs me in the squad for anything, I’ll be there and ready to go. If he doesn’t, I’ll still be cheering the boys and backing them at home.”

Slater, who gave the Broncos fullback his Origin debut in 2023, welcomed Walsh’s comments when informed of them on Monday.

“I’ve got no doubt he will be ready to go if called upon. You don’t know what lies in the future,” Slater said.

“He has been a great member of this footy team in the past and instrumental in (the) 2023 (series win). It would be good to see him back playing a bit more footy.

“I consider everything and I watch everything. It was great to see Reece back playing the way he was (for Brisbane). He’s got a real spring in his step and a real energy about him.

“I felt he made a real difference to the Broncos’ performance.”

When asked if Walsh was still in his plans for this series, Slater was emphatic.

“Absolutely. There is consideration all the time,” he said.

Ponga did not shine in the opening loss to NSW and will need to get the job done in Western Australia if he is to hang on to his position.

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