Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Reece Walsh State of Origin selection talk has intensified as Queensland weigh whether the Brisbane Broncos fullback can help save the series in Game II against New South Wales.

Walsh was left out of Billy Slater’s side for the opener, but he will have one more chance to press his case when Brisbane face the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday night before teams are named on Monday.

For more NRL coverage, read Ezra Mam Bench Call Puts Broncos Under Pressure Before Titans Clash.

Walsh Set For Selection Audition

Walsh admitted on Wednesday that his form had not reached the level required for Game I, but his best football still makes him one of Queensland’s most dangerous attacking options.

Kalyn Ponga is widely expected to keep the No.1 jersey after a strong Origin opener, leaving Walsh’s most likely path as a bench role.

“I think Queensland need him. Not just the Broncos, but the Maroons as well,” The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis said.

“He should have been on the bench in Game I, and now that Shibasaki is injured, there’s no reason not to play him.”

Bench Role Could Suit Maroons

Gehamat Shibasaki is out for five to six weeks with injury, while Ezra Mam’s Queensland place is under pressure after being dropped to the Brisbane bench.

Carayannis argued Queensland could have used Walsh late in Game I, especially when the contest slowed before Ponga’s 57th-minute send-off opened the door for New South Wales.

“There was a moment in the second half before Kalyn Ponga got sent off where the Maroons looked like they were going through the motions. They needed an injection of something, and you throw Reece Walsh in. They could’ve used him,” Carayannis said.

Braith Anasta said Walsh’s speed would worry tired defenders late in each half, while Brent Read said he would pick Walsh even if Queensland did not strictly need him.

A strong display against the Gold Coast Titans could make the decision harder for Slater. Official competition updates are available through the NRL website.