‘I’m a realist’: Walsh delivers honest insight into Origin recall hopes

Reece Walsh has insisted his month on the sidelines did not leave him suffering from a crisis of confidence, and conceded his form had not warranted a State of Origin recall.

Since making his return from a fractured cheekbone, Walsh and the Broncos have endured four straight losses to leave their premiership defence in freefall.

Aside from a scintillating second half against the Roosters, the mercurial fullback has been unable to recapture the form which garnered a Clive Churchill Medal and Kangaroos debut last year, and culminated in his omission from the Queensland Maroons squad for the game one defeat.

When Walsh suffered his injury against the Titans in round five – the same rivals they face on Saturday – it was the second time in two years he had sustained such a blow, following his clash with centre Taylan May in 2024.

He was later infamously floored and concussed by New South Wales back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in game one of the Origin campaign.

Since his comeback against Sydney, Walsh has made eight handling errors, averaged 103 running metres a game and failed to cross the white line, with his two try assists in the shock loss to the Dragons coming after the game was all but lost.

But as his side prepare to unveil their all black kit to support mental health awareness and the Black Dog Institute, Walsh declared he had no concerns for how he was targeted, and self-preservation had not factored in his inconsistent performances.

“I wouldn’t say it’s confidence, I go out there with a blueprint of how I play footy. I’ve had the injury before, and I sort of understand it and can push forward,” Walsh said.

“It’s one of those injuries where it is what it is, I’ve just got to keep moving forward, keep playing my best footy and upholding those standards that put me in a good spot.”

Shibasaki has since suffered a knee injury, ruling him out for up to six weeks, while Mam has been relegated to Brisbane’s six-man bench this week.

Walsh harbours a close relationship with Queensland coach Billy Slater, but was adamant his hopes of helping the Maroons save the series would only happen if he could arrest his side’s slump.

“Obviously as a young Queenslander all you want to do is grow up and play for Queensland, so to not be named and not get that call was disappointing, but I know the standard it takes to play for Queensland,” Walsh said.

“I’m a realist, and I’m honest with myself, and I probably haven’t been living up to those standards that it takes to wear that Queensland jersey. I feel like that’s what makes it so great, once you put that jersey on