Exciting rookies Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in contention for Origin debuts

Queensland selectors are under pressure after the 50-6 belting in the series opener. But the Maroons have a few tricks up their sleeve to hit back.

Queensland coach Paul Green is considering the ultimate selection gamble by picking Warriors whiz-kid Reece Walsh to help the Maroons save the series in Origin II.

While Green will not ruthlessly take the axe to the Maroons in the wake of their 50-6 disaster in Origin I, he believes some key tweaks can trigger a Queensland fightback in the return bout at Suncorp Stadium on June 27.

It is understood Maroons hierarchy are seriously weighing up handing the 18-year-old Walsh his senior Origin debut as Kalyn Ponga races the clock to prove his fitness after missing the series opener with a groin injury.

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Could Warriors rookie Reece Walsh be thrown into the Origin cauldron? Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Others being considered for potential debuts include Cowboys speed machine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Dragons forward Josh Kerr, who was a member of Queensland‘s extended squad for last year’s series.

Walsh has played just six NRL games since his Warriors debut in April, but Queensland selectors believe the former Broncos teenager could bring some X-factor to a Maroons side craving some attacking class.

It is understood Green was monitoring Walsh closely to play a possible supersub role in Game One, only for the Warriors rookie to be ruled out of contention due to a one-game ban for a striking charge.

While blooding Walsh would be risky, other rookies have stepped-up in the Origin arena. Broncos prop Payne Haas was given his NSW Origin debut after just 10 NRL games in 2019 and he played a starring role in the Blues‘ record rout in Townsville.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of the Cowboys would add some much needed pace to the Maroons edge defence. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Queensland gave Ben Ikin his Origin debut during the 1995 Super League war aged 18 years and 83 days. Ikin had played just four first-grade matches at the time, but the utility went on to have a successful 17-game Origin career.

The exciting Walsh would be 18 years and 352 days — just a fortnight shy of his 19th birthday — if he made his Maroons debut in Origin II.

If Ponga is fit, Walsh could come into calculations as a No. 14 utility, especially with Titans star AJ Brimson battling a knee problem that ruled him out of Saturday‘s clash against the Roosters.

Maroons coach Paul Green wants to stiffen his midfield. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Walsh, who has Kiwi blood via his mother, was recently sounded out by New Zealand coach Michael Maguire but insists he is committed to the Maroons.

“I‘m a proud Queenslander,” said the Nerang junior.

“I grew up playing for Queensland my whole life.

“I’ve played junior reps for Queensland my whole life and while some of my family would love to see me represent New Zealand, I’m Queensland to the bone.”

Green was most concerned about Queensland’s midfield and the Maroons will be boosted by the return from suspension of chief enforcer Josh Papalii.

But with Christian Welch under a concussion cloud, Green could be on the lookout for another forward. One option is Kerr, an athletic specimen at 197cm and 112kg who can play edge or middle forward and impressed Wayne Bennett with his attitude in Camp Maroon last year.

Josh Kerrimpressed during his time in the Maroons Camp in 2020. Picture: Adam Head

Green must also decide whether to retain winger Xavier Coates and Kurt Capewell at left centre. Tom Trbojevic had too much speed for Capewell, traditionally a back-rower, and Cowboys sensation Tabuai-Fidow is one Queenslander with the pace to match the Blues strike weapon.

Veteran Sharks centre Will Chambers, back in the NRL after a stint in Japanese rugby, has played 13 games for Queensland and his experience cannot be discounted.

“It will be good to have Josh (Papalii) back,” Green said.

“He knows what it‘s all about at Origin level, so that’s where we have to stiffen up, through the middle.

“I’m not sure if Kalyn Ponga will be fit (for Game Two), but he won’t stiffen up our middle, that wasn’t our problem.”

Originally published as Exciting rookies Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in contention for Origin debuts