Billy Slater makes a good and terrible Reece Walsh decision – and Gorden Tallis is just wrong

Billy Slater has earned the trust of Queensland fans these last few years, but that hasn’t stopped many from questioning some of his decision-making around his Game One squad.

There are question marks around Sam Walker getting the nod at seven following the injury to Tom Rearden, while the likes of Cameron Munster at six and Harry Grant are decisions questioned by some.

But the call that has got people talking the most is the omission of superstar Brisbane Broncos full-back Reece Walsh, who has been left out of the 20-man Queensland squad altogether to face New South Wales on May 27.

Why Reece Walsh suffered State of Origin snub

Slater admitted it was a ‘difficult’ decision to leave Walsh out of the squad, and explained that Kalyn Ponga’s undoubted form for Newcastle Knights was the tipping point when it came to the full-back decision.

“It was difficult, but I think we’ve all seen what Kalyn’s done at this level, but also in his return when he’s played for the Knights this year. He’s in exceptional form,” Slater said.

“I feel Kalyn’s best position is fullback. He knows how to play that position, and he’s really nailed it. He’s in a real sweet spot of his career and life at the moment. I think he’s really balanced and looking forward to helping him get after his game, too.

“We’ve seen Reece play at this level a couple of years ago, and he was probably one of the most influential players in the Queensland team in that series in 2023. So we know what he’s capable of, he knows what he’s capable of, and he has a really good understanding of the things he focuses on when he plays his best football.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Reece, and I’ve got a lot of time for him. I love the way he plays his footy, and he’s getting there.”

Slater squad snub makes zero sense

Some might disagree with picking Ponga over Walsh, but based on form this season, it makes complete sense. Ponga has been brilliant for the Knights, while Walsh has struggled with a cheekbone injury and some indifferent form at times.

However, what makes absolutely no sense is not having Walsh in the squad. The 23-year-old was lightyears better than any other player in the NRL during the finals last season. Without Walsh, there is no comeback king Broncos and no chance of them lifting the NRL title.

Walsh also starred for Australia in the Ashes series at the back end of last year against England. And as Slater says, the dynamic back also knows Origin well and has shone on the biggest stage before.

Tallis counter is just wrong, and Johns knows it

Now, while Slater didn’t touch on why Walsh was left out of the squad completely, Brisbane and Queensland legend Gorden Tallis hinted at the reason why with his reaction to the snub.

“I don’t think he [Reece Walsh] can play 14. There is not much between those two.”

To play 14, you have to have the ability to fill in across many different positions, and Walsh can provide this in abundance. You can take Andrew Johns’ word for it as well, with the rugby league immortal recently praising Walsh for his ability to step into the halves when Adam Reynolds went down recently for Brisbane in one of their contests.

Johns said: “The one was Reece Walsh. When Adam Reynolds went off, he said, ‘right, I’m going to play halfback’. He is an incredible player.

“We look at him and see all the flashy stuff, but he is tough. He is physically tough; he is mentally tough. He really stood up against the Roosters, especially in that second half when they were chasing points. Anything good they were doing was coming off him.”

Brad Fittler interjected: “He makes everyone nervous. The moment he scored that first try, all of a sudden the Roosters’ defence fell apart. There was arm grabbing, there was just no confidence in their defence.”

On Walsh’s second-half try assist vs the Roosters, Johns added: “Once again, I am talking about how quick he is across the ground. It’s an incredible pass. For a bloke that hasn’t grown up being a halfback, he’s more of a runner, it goes to show his ability.”

It’s a big call from Slater, but one thing is worth saying: he has earned the trust of Queensland fans thanks to his three Origin series wins as head coach.