Billy Slater Explains 20-Man Origin Call on Why Is Reece Walsh Not In Origin
why is reece walsh not in origin came down to confidence, not something else, Billy Slater said after Queensland left the Broncos fullback out of its Origin 1 squad. The coach rejected speculation around the omission and pointed back to Walsh's recent form after a facial fracture and a month off.
Slater and Walsh
Slater said on Sunday that he had a strong relationship with Walsh and had no issue with the 23-year-old personally. “I’m not surprised by any narrative that gets thrown around in this game,” he said speaking to Triple M radio on Sunday.
He added: “I get that everyone has an opinion and what they want to say, but I’ve got a great relationship with Reece.” Slater also said: “We’ve been connected for about five years. Ever since he’s been in the NRL to be honest. I’ve got a lot of time for him and I’m sure he’ll earn his opportunity to play in this jersey in the future.”
Queensland's Origin Call
Walsh was not included in Queensland's 20-man squad for State of Origin 1, and selectors Darren Lockyer and Gene Miles had already said the omission was linked to confidence issues. Lockyer said: “Going into a big Origin game with confidence, it plays a huge factor.”
He also said: “Reece is coming back from a month off. The Broncos are struggling a bit for form and we just felt that Kalyn is playing in a winning team at the moment. He is a big contributor to that and he is just in almost career-best form.”
That left Walsh needing a response rather than a reminder of his talent. Lockyer said: “We know what Reece is capable of. The key now for Reece is how he responds to the disappointment and focuses on getting back to playing his best footy.”
Magic Round Phone Call
Slater reportedly phoned Walsh in the lead-up to Magic Round and asked him how he was feeling, a sign the selection discussion was already tied to the fullback's condition rather than any side issue. Walsh admitted he was not playing at 100 per cent and did not feel fully confident in himself.
That matters because James Graham and Luke Keary had suggested there must be something more to the axing than form alone. James Maloney said: “I don’t know why else you’d leave him out and I don’t think Billy would leave him out if he was alright.” He added: “But if he’s said I’m not quite right then [Slater] went ‘OK I’ll leave you (out of the team)’.”
For Queensland, the selection now sits on one blunt line: Walsh has to get back to his best before the jersey comes back. Slater said the door is not shut, and the next step for Walsh is simple enough — turn the disappointment into a run of form strong enough to force his way back into the side.
