State of Origin 2024: Reece Walsh’s unseen act in Queensland camp comes to light after Game 1 incident

Reece Walsh returns in State of Origin 2 at the MCG on Wednesday evening, in his first game since his knocked out by Joseph Suaalii just eight minutes into the series. And the Maroons star is doing everything he can to come back full steam ahead after his concussion break.

Walsh’s game is marked by flashy brilliance and plenty of bravado, but behind closed doors he is a student of the game. And his desire to improve and willingness to put in the work necessary to make that happen was perfectly embodied by his actions in the Maroons camp on Saturday.

In the team’s most physically demanding session before Game 2, the players trained for two hours at their training camp in Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, where coach Billy Slater kept an eye on all of its stars. But what caught the attention of viewers – including leading journalist Peter Badel – was the handful of Queensland players who stayed at the training ground to do some extra drills after the scheduled training session had ended.

As the remaining group was slowly weaned, while the players ate their extras and coach Slater and captain Daly Cherry Evans As he left the facility, Walsh was seen continuing to hone his game. The Queensland No.1 was the only player left on the field, practising goal kicks before rehearsing his passes by throwing balls at the goal posts before calling it a day about 30 minutes after everyone else had left.

His Queensland teammate and notorious workhorse Reuben Cotter said Walsh’s work ethic and championship mentality were the reason he became a star at such a young age. “He just has the work ethic,” Cotter said The Courier Post. “He is a great player and one of the best this game has ever seen.

“He’s a real worker. I love the way he competes. He always wants to push his teammates and the people around him to be better. He’s very ambitious.”

Tom Deardon said it was far from uncommon for Walsh to be the last player on the training pitch. “It shows how hard he works on his game,” Dearden said. “What he does at the weekend is wonderful but it also shows that it’s no fluke. He always works hard on his game here and that’s why he plays so well on the weekends and in the games. He’s obviously lightning quick but in training and even in the games he always wants to be in the game. That’s what makes him so special.”

NSW will target Reece Walsh again in Origin 2

The Blues clearly had a plan to target Walsh in Game 1 and put as much pressure on the young defender as possible. Despite his brilliance with the ball in hand, Walsh is prone to mistakes and although Suaalii’s strike in Game 1 backfired, Liam Martin says the Blues will not be afraid to attack Walsh again at the MCG – in a fair way.

“I’m treating it the same. It doesn’t change,” Martin said at the NSW camp this week. “He’s so important to them, so we’re going to attack him. We don’t want to hurt him intentionally, of course. It’s part of the game. Nothing’s going to change.”

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Reece Walsh promises not to retreat into his shell in Origin 2

Some people have suggested that Suaalii’s hit could Walsh becomes a bit “gun shy” in Origin 2 and more cautious with the ball in his hands. But Queensland’s No. 1 insists that won’t be the case.

“If I had any doubts or was scared I wouldn’t put on the Queensland jersey,” he said. “I know how much it means to the people of Queensland and the former players. They need a team that is willing to put their bodies on the line and do anything for their state. If I was scared or timid in any way I would pull out.”

Walsh had to sit out the Broncos’ last two games due to the NRL’s mandatory 11-day break, but has passed all concussion tests and has been cleared for Game 2. He admitted he was somewhat relieved that Billy Slater chose him again as full-back after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored a hat trick in Game 1 when he moved from center to the No. 1 role.

Tabuai-Fidow plays fullback for the Dolphins and his excellent form has led many to believe that he should be the Maroons’ number 1 and not WalshBut Slater, much to his relief, decided to stay with Walsh for Game 2.

“I knew I had to go through the protocols, and I had to talk Bill into getting my job back a little bit because Hammer killed him,” Walsh said. “It was a little rough, but I just had to check all the boxes. I’m grateful Bill gave me that chance.”

“Hammer is phenomenal with what he brings to a football team. Speed ​​is something you can’t coach and it’s hard to compete against speed. I’m just happy he’s on my team and I can utilize his skills and support him. I know he’ll do the same for me.”