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Sport Nation
Broncos' Walsh thrives on Ponga boost in Maroons duel
Joel Gould, AAP • April 3rd, 2025 9:51 am
Brisbane star Reece Walsh is putting in the hard yards at training to be a complete fullback | Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
Reece Walsh is in a battle with Kalyn Ponga for the Queensland fullback spot and the Newcastle magician is a source of inspiration for the Brisbane No.1 to lift his game as he targets an Australian debut.
Walsh is the incumbent Maroons custodian but Knights talisman Ponga has been in red-hot form to start the season and is breathing down his neck.
"Every time you watch KP go out there and run out, he's inspirational," Walsh said ahead of Saturday night's home clash with Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium.
"I've been watching him since I was a kid coming through school and to be in those conversations with him (Origin selection), it's pretty amazing."
Kalyn Ponga's strong form is inspiring Reece Walsh | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Walsh, who has played five State of Origin games for Queensland, has Indigenous and Maori background but ahead of the NRL's multicultural round he said he was not tempted to seek to qualify to play for New Zealand in future.
"My heart was always pretty set on Australia and Queensland. I grew up here and I always wanted to represent that side," Walsh said.
"I do love that Māori side of where we're from and I'm still learning a lot .
"But it's something that I've always wanted to do as a kid; play for Queensland and Australia.
"First of all, I have just got to keep turning up here for the Broncos and working hard."
Walsh started the Origin decider against NSW last year and Ponga, who has eight Origins under his belt, came off the bench. It didn't work the way coach Billy Slater would have wanted and the Maroons lost.
Ponga and Walsh have enjoyed a friendly rivalry for the Queensland fullback role in recent times | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
In the next six weeks the duo will stake their claims for the role as Queensland starting fullback. Australia will also embark on an Ashes tour at the end of the year when Walsh will be in the frame.
The Broncos' custodian has won praise from coach Michael Maguire for his defensive mindset this year despite his attack being awry in the opening four rounds.
He has been vocal in the defensive line with his organisational work and has put his body on the line.
Walsh gets up high to defuse a bomb | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
"For sure, I feel like I've put myself in better positions this year defensively-wise," Walsh said.
"My work at the back ... it's improving each week and that's probably something that I haven't had in my game too much, but I think it comes back from the hard pre-season that we had.
"There is a lot of running, a defensive mindset and I think that's something that I'm incorporating in my game, having that defensive mindset level on top of that attack."
