NSW made a huge promise to target debutant Reece Walsh ahead of the 2023 Origin series opener — vowing to push the young gun to his limits.
Instead it was the 20-year-old handing out the punishment to the Blues who had no answers.
The 20-year-old fullback was a surprise selection by Queensland coach Billy Slater, beating out incumbent Kalyn Ponga whose issues with concussions were deemed too much of a risk.
Walsh has only 51 NRL games to his name but delivered when it mattered most in the series opener with a faultless 80-minute performance.
Then after trading verbal barbs and slamming the NSW side for “thinking they own rugby league” he set up the biggest test of his career during Game II.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.
Walsh was almost the best on ground as Queensland demolished NSW 32-6 to secure a series victory on home soil.
He recorded two try assists, a line break, 109 running metres and seven tackle breaks — earning him lofty praise from Slater, one of — if not the — greatest fullbacks to grace the Origin arena.
“Hasn’t he had some sort of series? And he’s earned that through his professionalism at the Broncos and his actions week-to-week at the Broncos,” Slater said in the post-match press conference.
“And when he’s come into camp, talk about that ‘want’. Reece wants to get as good as he can. And if he continues that want, there’s no ceiling to where Reece Walsh can get to.”
For close friend and Broncos teammate Pat Carrigan, Walsh’s toughness flies under the radar when his speed and dynamic attacking ability is so plain to see.
The young gun was happy to respond every time Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses targeted him and stood tall when challenged by Jarome Luai in the closing stages of Game II.
“He’s a little hood rat from Nerang so he’s copped a few hidings from his older brothers and he’s good mate,” Carrigan said to foxsports.com.au.
“He doesn’t mind mixing it with the big boys and he deserves everything he is getting at the moment and he’s a tough kid and if he keeps bringing that tough footy everyone knows the brilliance he can bring.
Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans also hailed Walsh’s toughness.
“Reece Walsh gave as good as he got, because he has got a hell of a lot coming at him his first two games of Origin,” Cherry-Evans said.
“They have targeted him and he should be really proud of the level of toughness and resilience he has played with so far.
“It’s Origin, everyone is playing with their heart on their sleeve, that’s what makes it so emotional.”
Walsh also was at the centre of a moment that will long be remembered by Maroon fans.
Following his fracas with Luai and a punch from Josh Addo-Carr, the Blues winger slapped the NSW badge while leaving the field and was met with a wave of boos.
Walsh did the same — and the noise was deafening, with teammates surrounding the young fullback to celebrate the series victory.
It highlighted just how important Walsh has been for Queensland this series and likely moving forward for the Maroons under Billy Slater.
But for Walsh, he was “dirty” with how the game ended.
“You know we reflect on it so much through the week, and as a young Queenslander you see the great Queenslanders, Billy and all of the greats to wear the jersey,” Walsh said.
“And the way they put their body on the line mate, it wasn’t a pretty ending to the game and I am a bit dirty on that.
“But this jersey means so much to me and I love this state, I love these boys, I love the coaching staff.
“My family, they are the reason we go out there and put in big efforts, we do it for our friends and our family. Our teammates and the coaching staff.”
Walsh also complimented Luai post-match for his “confident” attitude when on the field.
“Puts bums on seats and makes you want to go out there and play good footy,” Walsh said of the Panthers star.
“I love the way he plays and the passion he plays with. That’s what makes us really good players and the players we are.
“Like I said, you hate versing those people who are confident and wear their heart on their sleeve and are willing to do anything for their teammates.”
Slater’s decision to name Walsh as his No.1 for the series was bold and the legendary fullback has consistently praised his young talent.
Slater has played 31 games for Queensland, playing a major role in the Maroons’ decade of dominance alongside Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith.
If there’s anyone you want to be mentoring you as a fullback it’s Slater and Brisbane coach Kevin Walters will be licking his lips at the prospect of Walsh improving further.
Since rejoining the Broncos ahead of the 2023 season, he sits second for try assists with 18 and third for line break assists.
Walsh also has tallied 70 tackle breaks sit equal fourth in the NRL alongside Sione Katoa.
Carrigan played down comparisons between Walsh and Slater as players, but sent an ominous warning to the rest of the NRL.
“Wouldn’t mind him bringing it (that form) back to the Broncos,” Carrigan said.
“I hate comparing people. I think he’s just Reece Walsh and Billy was Billy.
“He’s just Reece, as long as he keeps doing him and he’s where he is today because he works so hard, it’s not fluke.
“When he gets to rub shoulders with Billy as this week, you see him and AJ (Brimson) just picking his brain and KP (Kalyn Ponga) is obviously not here, but there’s three players who are just freaks.
“The No.1 jersey is in good stead as long as they keep learning off him.”
