REECE IS SET FOR IGNITION
If the game is tight, Reece is the type of guy who wants to be involved and that’s crucial in Origin games
Darren Lockyer Maroons legend
Reece Lightning is ready to strike in State of Origin.
Queensland fullback legend Darren Lockyer has given his seal of approval to Reece Walsh and backed the Maroons whiz-kid to handle a NSW onslaught in his Origin debut on Wednesday night.
Walsh will make one of the most anticipated debuts in Origin’s 43-year history when the Broncos young gun runs out in the Queensland No.1 jumper in the 2023 series opener against the Blues at Adelaide Oval.
Queensland coach Billy Slater is showing enormous faith in the 20-year-old, dropping last year’s Game Three hero Kalyn Ponga to launch the Origin career of Walsh.
The Gold Coast product, from Nerang, faces a daunting battle with NSW champion James Tedesco, but Maroons selector Lockyer believes Walsh can be the X-factor that helps Queensland draw first blood in South Australia.
“Reece is ready for this arena,” said the former Maroons skipper, who wore the No.1 jumper in 16 of his 36 Origin games for Queensland.
“He has played well for the Broncos this season.
“It has been a tough month for them, but I believe Reece is ready for the physicality and intensity of Origin.
“Reece worries defences with his speed, but his toughness in defence has improved this season.”
Walsh has been one of the NRL’S form attackers this season, compiling 13 try assists, eight line breaks and 61 tackle busts to play a key role in Brisbane’s surge to the top four.
Lockyer was renowned for stepping up as a match winner under pressure and he insists Walsh won’t be intimidated.
“If the game is tight, Reece is the type of guy who wants to be involved and that’s crucial in Origin games,” Lockyer said.
“You want players who want the ball when the game is on the line.
“Daly (Cherry-evans) and (Cameron) Munster will do their thing in the halves and I think they can create some space for Reece.
“At the Broncos, Walsh works well with his outside men and is good at finding space for them.
“There’s no doubt the Blues