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Scotty & Izzy live on SN ExtraMaroons keep Blues in dark on 'Lightning' strike at MCG
Joel Gould, AAP •  June 16th, 2026 7:35 am
Reece Walsh has kept the balls in the air over exactly where he will play for Queensland | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Queensland's opponents know what Reece Walsh can do on a footy field, but when, where and even if he will unleash at the MCG remains a mystery.
The Brisbane talisman, known as "Reece Lightning" for his strike capabilities, is named on a six-man extended bench at No.18 for the Maroons in the second State of Origin showdown on Wednesday night.
Queensland must win to square the series and Walsh, despite not being in his best form in clubland, is an ace coach Billy Slater has up his sleeve.
Maroons coach Billy Slater has been playing his cards close to his chest | Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP
Origin is littered with unforeseen occurrences across its 46-year history. Concussions and other injuries can occur in the first or 79th minute to throw the best-laid plans into chaos.
Walsh himself was famously a victim of that in game one of the 2024 series when, while a starting fullback, he was knocked out by Blues back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii with a shoulder charge after just seven minutes.
On that occasion Selwyn Cobbo came off the bench to play centre and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow went to fullback.
For the MCG clash, Walsh has replaced out-of-form Broncos teammate Ezra Mam, who was cover in game one for the halves, but did not get on the field.
Reece Walsh has done his job in the past for the Maroons | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
Slater, when asked if Walsh was also a contingency as a half, answered in the affirmative.
"In short, yes. We do have options," he said.
Walsh said he was ready for any role thrown at him, adding he would even play prop if asked. The sentiment has proven to be historically correct.
Current Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga debuted in Origin in 2018 in a roving lock position and had a brilliant 52 minutes to almost grab victory for Queensland.
Ponga is in the position Walsh held for five Origin matches in 2023 and 2024, and said the Broncos whiz was capable of anything if given an opportunity.
"When he goes after it, he is someone that is pretty fearless," Ponga said.
Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh are in sync over doing what is best for the Maroons | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
"Reece goes after the game. There's all the attributes with his skill, but his mindset, we saw it last year in the (NRL) finals series, he was on another level."
The pair are great mates, despite competing for the No.1 position.
"There's an understanding that you have to earn this jersey. He got it over me, and I was lucky enough to wear this jersey in game one and Wednesday," Ponga said.
"There is a mutual respect that whatever is best for the state and whatever Billy thinks is best for the team, we understand that.
"Even at meetings he is asking stuff and giving me tips, it's awesome."
