Maroons fullback debate over: Did selector Darren Lockyer just reveal Queensland’s 2025 custodian?

There is a theory Reece Walsh’s confidence was rocked when he was flattened in State of Origin last year. But words penned by a Maroons selector may be even more telling to Walsh’s Maroons future, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh. Picture: Nigel Hallett

This time last year the Queensland rugby league community was engulfed by a spirited debate over their number one man – Kalyn Ponga or Reece Walsh.

Not so now. Even the most devout Broncos fan would concede, when debating Queensland’s next State of Origin fullback, Ponga has soared into a galaxy occupied by few players in the game while Walsh’s form has been rocks, diamonds and not much in between.

Ponga’s game at the moment has a soothing sense of cool, calculating class about it – Walsh appears to be snatching at it.

Walsh’s best moments, featuring blistering pace and eye-pleasing injections out wide, look great on the highlights reel but his mistake rate is too high to put him near Ponga.

There is a theory his confidence was rocked when he was flattened in State of Origin last year.

Darren Lockyer, as a State of Origin selector, will have a huge say in Walsh’s future and his excellent column on fullbacks in The Sunday Mail was revealing in that it started by lauding the deeds of “outstanding’’ trio Tom Trbojevic, Ryan Papenhuyzen and James Tedesco.

Then, in the 10th paragraph, he turned to Walsh with the words: “Reece Walsh has the potential to join that list but he needs to build the consistency that had been a feature of the game’s older fullbacks.’’

Don’t underestimate the significance of these carefully chosen words. And they were penned before Walsh’s error-plagued game against Canberra on Saturday.

Reece Walsh was ironed out by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in last year’s Origin opener. Picture: Fox Sports

PHIN-TASTIC COMMITMENT

Sending a long-serving first grader back to play Hostplus Cup is always an examination of a man’s fibre – but Dolphins’ Kenny Bromwich passed the test.

Bromwich, who has played 258 NRL games and 15 Tests for New Zealand, gave an excellent speech to the Norths Devils side before playing a starring role in their 44-8 win over the Western Clydesdales on Saturday, including a direct hand in three tries.

At the team’s jersey presentation, Bromwich acknowledged players in the team were at different stages of their careers and added: “I am really keen to help this team and all of you in any way I can.’’

All class from Kenny Bromwich. Picture: NRL Photos

WHAT’S THE RUSH

Selwyn Cobbo has hit an early season sweet spot with two excellent games in a row so you can understand the Broncos urgency in re-signing him.

But – just maybe – the Broncos may do well to let things bubble along for a while before they secure their man on a multi-year deal.

Sure, there will be nibbles from other clubs, but Cobbo’s Cherbourg connection means he is highly unlikely to leave the Broncos. And while he remains a free agent the pressure is firmly on Cobbo to play well and keep his price up.

Selwyn Cobbo with kids from the Cherbourg Rugby League Club in 2023.

BROWN’S COWS

There are any number of theories why the Cowboys are performing so dreadfully including the fact that their remodelled defensive edges just don’t click with each other.

But sometimes a simple number can sum up everything and in the Cowboys case that number is 86.

That is the highest number of metres run by a Cows forward (John Bateman) in their 36-12 loss to the Sharks in Townsville on Saturday. If that statistic does not improve the Cowboys are going nowhere this season.

Originally published as Maroons fullback debate over: Did selector Darren Lockyer just reveal Queensland’s 2025 custodian?