Out-of-form Reece Walsh recalled by Queensland for crucial State of Origin Game 2

By Jack Larkin • June 8, 2026 • Sport

Queensland coach Billy Slater has recalled Reece Walsh, but it remains to be seen exactly what role the Broncos star will play in Melbourne

Queensland coach Billy Slater has recalled Reece Walsh to the Maroons squad for next week’s crucial State of Origin Game 2, but it remains to be seen exactly what role the Broncos star will play in Melbourne. Walsh, who was overlooked by selectors for Game 1 in Sydney, was brought back into the fold as Queensland’s 18th man on Monday, but whether he will play off the extended bench or in what position will decided by Slater over the course of a 10-day camp. “We think it’s the best thing for the footy team [if he is] on the bench there,” Slater said. “We know what Reece is capable of... I have a great relationship with Reece, and he’s built a really good game, and if needed, he’ll perform.” Slater kept the door open to Walsh playing in the halves off the bench. “In short... yes. We have options there,” Slater said. “Reece is a part of the 19. He won’t be released [to play for the Broncos this weekend].” It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Walsh this season; his club has lost five straight games, most recently suffering two losses to NRL strugglers the Dragons and Titans. Slater acknowledged that Walsh is suffering a form dip at club level but will keep the reasoning for his Origin call-up “in house”. Walsh will be joined by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Murray Taulagi and Heilum Luki in the Maroons camp as they look to keep the series alive at the MCG following a last-gasp defeat in the series opener in Sydney. “If Murray is needed to go on the field, whether it’s the first or 60th minute, I don’t think he’d be overawed,” Slater said. “He knows what it takes to be a Queenslander, as does Reece. “That’s a really important aspect of those positions because they are not easy to play. They are starting players for their club, but they’re different roles in this team. You don’t know where or if you will go on. You need the right headspace.” Finefeuiaki has been a standout player for the Dolphins this season, earning him the chance to represent Queensland with four other club teammates – Thomas Flegler, Max Plath, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Selwyn Cobbo. “He’s been jumping out of the screen all season, to be honest. When the opportunity arose, he’d been a standard of footy that’s acceptable for the Maroons,” Slater said. “He runs hard, he carries hard, and he’s consistent, but I’ve loved the improvement with his defence.” The NSW Blues will name their team later on Monday. Queensland team 1.Kalyn Ponga, 2. Selwyn Cobbo, 3. Robert Toia, 4, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 5. Jojo Fifita, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Sam Walker, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Harry Grant, 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 11. Briton Nikora, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Reuben Cotter, 14. Max Plath, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, 17. Trent Loiero, 18. Reece Walsh, 19. Murray Taulagi, 20. Heilum Luki (20th man).

Source: The Guardian