WALSH SHRUGS OFF TRY DROUGHT
WARRIORS whiz kid Reece Walsh insists he isn’t fazed by his try-scoring drought and is ready to challenge Kalyn Ponga for Queensland’s No.1 jersey.
Walsh will head into Sunday’s clash against the Sharks in Sydney looking to score his first try of the season after this week committing to a move to New Zealand next year.
After crossing nine times in a sensational 16-game rookie campaign last year, Walsh hasn’t scored a try in seven games this season and his drought has stretched to nine matches.
With only three try-assists and two linebreaks next to his name this year, Walsh’s attacking output for the Warriors is clearly down.
But he isn’t worried about his lack of four-pointers after making huge improvements in his defensive game.
“That stuff will come if I keep putting myself in good positions,” Walsh said when asked about his try-scoring struggles. “I haven’t been playing the best footy so far this year, I haven’t made as much of an impact as I can.
“I need to demand the ball and want the ball. We’ve still got a while to go in the season.
“I feel like my game is slowly going in the right direction. That is all about oppositions studying me a bit more and putting a bit more light on me.
“I’m not too worried. If I can keep going in the right direction where I’m getting better each week, I will be pleased with that.
“My goal in the first nine rounds of the competition has been to get my defence right. I want to be an allrounded player, not just attack. I feel my defence has improved a lot.
“I’ve still got more to learn but I’ve been pleased with my defence lately. I want to start getting my attack back on the roll.”
Walsh, 19, burst on to the NRL scene last year with the Warriors after being released by the Brisbane Broncos.
He made such an impact he was picked to make his State of Origin debut for Queensland in game two of the series after just seven NRL appearances.
Walsh’s fairytale was shattered by a hamstring injury during the Maroons’ captain’s run on match eve and Ponga returned for the dead-rubber won by Queensland.
Now the Gold Coast product wants redemption in this year’s series and assured new Maroons coach Billy Slater he was ready for the Origin arena.
“Last year was a bit unfortunate,” Walsh said. “I feel like I’ve got to keep working on myself and if that opportunity comes, it comes.”