Slater axes – Billy Slater makes a major Origin call by axing Broncos fullback Reece Walsh and naming Sam Walker to debut for Queensland at No.7 after Tom Dearden is ruled out with a syndesmosis injury. Queensland also includes multiple debutants, while the Maroons deal wit
When Billy Slater walked through his selection room, one name was left out—Reece Walsh. The Broncos superstar, a high-profile Queensland target, is omitted from the Maroons squad for State of Origin I, with Sam Walker instead earning a shock debut at halfback.
Walker gets Queensland’s famous No.7 jersey for Game One after beating out Kalyn Ponga for the halfback role, following Tom Dearden’s injury setback. Dearden has been ruled out with a syndesmosis injury, opening the door for Walker to step in.
Slater’s call comes with extra weight because Queensland will take the field for Origin I after a set of selection decisions that have already caused plenty of noise.. Walsh was picked for the most recent Australian Ashes tour squad. but the Maroons have chosen not to include him in the initial squad for the series opener.
Part of the backdrop is what happened the week before: Walsh paid the price for Brisbane’s heavy loss to the Warriors on Sunday, with Slater overlooking the electrifying fullback entirely for his first squad.
The change in the Maroons lineup is also tied to a reshaped Queensland backline.. Ponga reclaimed the Maroons fullback jersey after making it clear he was willing to play anywhere for Queensland. even as he admitted the No.1 role remains his preferred position.. Still, the final outcome leaves Walsh watching from the outside as Walker starts at halfback.
Walker’s pathway into the team has been dramatic enough to catch major attention.. The Roosters playmaker has been compared to Maroons legend Allan Langer. with Wayne Bennett declaring Walker is the closest player he has seen to the Queensland icon.. That comparison is now backed up by the fact that Walker is set to make his Origin debut at No.7.
Queensland will also feature a fresh-look group beyond the halfback switch.. Multiple debutants are included, such as Dolphins lock Max Plath and Titans winger Jojo Fifita.. Newcomer Tom Flegler is among the key selection positives after returning from an agonising 677 days on the sideline spent battling injury and illness.
For Origin I at Accor Stadium, Slater’s squad is set with:
1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Robert Toia
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Cam Munster
7. Sam Walker
8. Tom Flegler
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Max Plath
Interchange: Briton Nikora, Lindsay Collins, Pat Carrigan, Trent Loiero
Reserves: Ezra Mam, Gehamat Shibasaki, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
The selection process has also left notable omissions across multiple positions.. Several North Queensland Cowboys players were overlooked. including half Jake Clifford. veteran winger Murray Taulagi. rising second-rower Heilum Luki. and strike centres Jaxon Purdue and Tom Chester.. Dolphins centres Jack Bostock and Herbie Farnworth were also left out, while Pat Carrigan is dropped to the bench.
The reaction from the stands and fanbase has reflected the shock of Walsh’s exit and the broader rotation.. One supporter said, “His talent is undeniable and he’s the reason the broncos won the premiership last year.. Man is a match winner.. To not pick him in the #Maroons team is laughable. ” while another wrote. “Can’t believe Queensland are not picking Reece Walsh.. The ultimate X factor despite form issues.. A very NSW like move.”
Not all feedback backed Walsh, though. Others argued the selection decision had a clearer performance case, with one comment reading, “Not consistent enough. Rocks & Diamonds,” and another saying, “As good as he is I think he makes to many mistakes for Origin.”
Slater also addressed the comparison between the camps without getting pulled into the wider debate about his rivals.. New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has named six debutants. but Slater said he remained focused on Queensland’s own camp.. “Obviously NSW has picked a really strong team, there’s a few fresh faces,” he said.
He added: “That brings energy and enthusiasm.” Slater then stressed Queensland’s preparation approach, saying: “We’ll do our due dilligence and make sure we do our homework on our opposition.”
“We’d be very silly if we didn’t, they’re such a strong outfit.” His message kept returning to getting Queensland’s own game right: “Our priority will be our game. If you get your game right, well that certainly helps nullify the strength of the opposition.”
A week that began with Brisbane’s heavy loss to the Warriors ends with Walsh axed from Origin while Walker steps in—after Dearden’s syndesmosis injury—at the center of Slater’s bold reshuffle.. Around that core decision. other selection shocks across club lines have created a Maroons side built with new faces. including debutants such as Max Plath and Jojo Fifita. while Kalyn Ponga moves into the fullback role again.
State of Origin Billy Slater Reece Walsh Sam Walker Tom Dearden Kalyn Ponga Queensland Maroons NSW debutants Accor Stadium Max Plath Jojo Fifita