Walsh issues claim as Ponga replacement: Four things learnt in Broncos' triumph
As Maroons star Kalyn Ponga was ruled out of the State of Origin series decider, Broncos marquee man Reece Walsh issued a compelling message to Queensland coach Billy Slater: he was ready to reclaim his throne.
The Brisbane fullback produced a masterclass in his side's 26-12 triumph of the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday, ending an emphatic three-week period on his comeback from a knee injury.
Walsh, the Maroons' incumbent No.1 from 2023 to 2024 before being ruled out for this year's series opener, was looking ominous from the outset against the typically robust Warriors' defence – finishing with 118 running metres and four tackle busts.
If there was one moment which cemented his Origin credentials, it was in the shadows of halftime – screaming for the ball at the expense of a field goal attempt to fire a short pass for Gehamat Shibasaki to score the first of his two tries for the afternoon.
It came after his desperate try-saver on Chanel Harris-Tavita held up the Warriors' five-eighth inches from the line.
Walsh will now battle Dolphins sensation Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for the right to replace Ponga – who suffered a Lisfranc injury on Friday night – but his exploits will no doubt thrust him into the box seat.
Tellingly, he has looked a different player to the inconsistent figure he cut before his stint on the sidelines – showing a willingness to take the tough carries out of his own end while coming up with two one-on-one tackles to prevent Wayde Egan and Harris-Tavita from running away.
While he had one passage he would love back – caught well out of position for Leka Halasima to latch onto a Harris-Tavita bomb – Walsh has otherwise shown enough to suggest he was ready to answer a Slater SOS.
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A late call-up for Origin II after Mitch Moses' injury, Tigers playmaker Luai would be permitted to rest until later in the week if required to shake off lingering symptoms. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appears to be around the make-up of the forward pack. One-time Origin representative Keaon Koloamatangi has been in strong form for South Sydney this year and had been due to travel to Perth for Origin II as 19th man before a facial injury. Fellow prop Stefano Utoikamanu had a quiet game in Origin II after replacing the injured Mitch Barnett and must make it through Sunday's match with Cronulla unscathed. Utoikamanu told AAP last week that he would understand if Daley chose to shake things up for the decider. "If they pick me or if they pick someone else, I'm happy. I'm always going to support the Blues," he told AAP. "I feel like anyone who gets the opportunity to step into that Blue jersey is going to do the job."
ABC News
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Brian To'o will be selected for the third State of Origin match in a major boost to NSW's chances of clinching a series win. Penrith ace To'o went for scans on Saturday after hurting his knee and requiring ice following Thursday night's thrilling victory over Canterbury. Results received on Sunday morning showed no major injury, leaving the Panthers to contact NSW and confirm To'o could be selected in the official team on Sunday night. To'o's training loads are nevertheless likely to be managed in the lead-up to kick-off in Sydney on July 9, with his fitness now in the hands of Blues medical staff. NSW have already successfully navigated two injury niggles this series, though, as Payne Haas and To'o recovered from leg problems in time for Origin I and II respectively. The chance of To'o playing will be music to the ears of coach Laurie Daley after the winger was the Blues' best in a tight game-two loss. The four-time premiership winner crossed for three tries and ran for a game-high 229 metres as the Blues' comeback fell short in Perth. Should To'o fail to pull up in time for the decider, Jacob Kiraz would likely be called into camp again after To'o's hamstring issue put him on stand-by for Origin II. Kiraz is uncapped at Origin level but has enjoyed a brilliant 18 months with the resurgent Bulldogs. Blues five-eighth Jarome Luai is also expected to be named in Daley's team despite landing in hospital with illness and missing Wests Tigers' loss to Manly on Friday. A late call-up for Origin II after Mitch Moses' injury, Tigers playmaker Luai would be permitted to rest until later in the week if required to shake off lingering symptoms. Aside from To'o and Luai's fitness concerns, NSW's only major selection question appears to be around the make-up of the forward pack. One-time Origin representative Keaon Koloamatangi has been in strong form for South Sydney this year and had been due to travel to Perth for Origin II as 19th man before a facial injury. Fellow prop Stefano Utoikamanu had a quiet game in Origin II after replacing the injured Mitch Barnett and must make it through Sunday's match with Cronulla unscathed. Utoikamanu told AAP last week that he would understand if Daley chose to shake things up for the decider. "If they pick me or if they pick someone else, I'm happy. I'm always going to support the Blues," he said. "I feel like anyone who gets the opportunity to step into that Blue jersey is going to do the job." AAP
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