When Billy Slater confirmed the Queensland Maroons squad on Monday morning, Reece Walsh’s name was nowhere to be seen.
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Despite leading the Brisbane Broncos to their first premiership last season since 2006 and singlehandedly destroying England during the 2025 Ashes Series, Waslh was unable to do enough to earn an Origin recall.
To make matters more controversial, not only was he overlooked in favour of Kalyn Ponga for the No.1 jersey, but he has been left out of the 20-man squad entirely.
“When the side came out, I thought this can’t be true that he would leave this kid out,” veteran Code Sports journalist Dean Ritchie said on NRL 360.
“Reece Walsh last year won that premiership almost singlehandedly. He goes into the Kangaroos Tour and slaughters England. He was the best player in the game.
“I was stunned that he couldn’t find a position for him in his extended squad and as you rightly pointed out, Ezra Mam’s there and Gehamat Shibasaki.
“This kid is dynamite. He’s box office and I’m absolutely stunned that he isn’t in that side somewhere.’
Following Ritchie’s comments, Anasta questioned if it was a “brave call” made by Slater to not include the reigning Clive Churchill Medallist.
“I think it’s almost career-defining,” Ritchie continued.
“If Billy gets this wrong and they go back to Reece Walsh in Game Two, one-nil down, I get the feeling that Queensland will be very agitated at the call.
“This is a massive call.”
Billy talks through Game I squad | 16:01
Responding to the comments made by Richie, co-host and former Origin representative Braith Anasta understood the decision made by the Maroons coach by comparing Walsh to the named, Kalyn Ponga.
“I can understand a little bit of an uproar and Reece Walsh fans being disappointed and shocked like Dean Ritchie,” Anasta said.
“But if you peel it back, the incumbent Ponga (is) in great form and his team the Newcastle Knights is probably the best improvers this season.
“Last year, Reece was a bit unlucky, injured before Origin, doesn’t play (and) they win the series.
“Again, he gets injured before this series and he didn’t play great on the weekend. The ducks didn’t line up for him.
“He’s got the individual X-factor but you’ve got to trust Billy on this one.
Gorden Tallis added, “He’s just so important. The way he brings the ball back, he’s got a great kicking game. I don’t think he [Reece Walsh] can play 14…There is not much between those two.”