State of Origin 2023: Maroons legend Darren Lockyer backs Reece Walsh to terrorise NSW Blues

Former Queensland fullback Darren Lockyer has given his seal of approval for Maroons rookie Reece Walsh, confident Billy Slater can unlock his true Origin potential.

Former Maroons fullback Darren Lockyer has backed Reece Walsh to succeed in the Origin arena. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Reece Lightning is ready to strike in State of Origin.

Queensland fullback legend Darren Lockyer has given his seal of approval to Reece Walsh and backed the Maroons whizkid to handle a NSW onslaught in his Origin debut on Wednesday night.

Walsh will make one of the most anticipated debuts in Origin’s 43-year history when the Broncos young gun runs out in the Queensland No.1 jumper in the 2023 series opener against the Blues at Adelaide Oval.

Queensland coach Billy Slater is showing enormous faith in the 20-year-old, dropping last year’s Game Three hero Kalyn Ponga to launch the Origin career of Walsh.

The Gold Coast product from Nerang faces a daunting backfield battle with NSW champion James Tedesco, but Maroons selector Lockyer believes Walsh can be the X-factor that helps Queensland draw first blood in South Australia.

Former Maroons fullback Darren Lockyer has backed Reece Walsh to succeed in the Origin arena. Picture: Liam Kidston.

“Reece is ready for this arena,” said former Maroons skipper Lockyer, who played 16 of his 36 Origin games for Queensland in the No.1 jumper.

“He has played well for the Broncos this season.

“It has been a tough month for them, but I believe Reece is ready for the physicality and intensity of Origin.

“Reece worries defences with his speed, but his toughness in defence has improved this season.”

Walsh has been one of the NRL’s form attackers this season, compiling 13 try assists, eight line breaks and 61 tackle busts to play a key role in Brisbane’s surge to the top four.

Lockyer was renowned for stepping up as a match winner under pressure and he insists Walsh won’t be intimidated by the Origin occasion.

“If the game is tight, Reece is the type of guy who wants to be involved and that’s crucial in Origin games,” Lockyer said.

“You want players who want the ball when the game is on the line.

“Daly (Cherry-Evans) and (Cameron) Munster will do their thing in the halves and I think they can create some space for Reece.

“At the Broncos, Walsh works well with his outside men and is good at finding space for them.

“There’s no doubt the Blues will try and get physical with him, but I have no doubt he is ready for that.

“Given Billy Slater’s own history in the Queensland No.1 jersey, I think Reece will be well prepared to do his job and do it really well.”

For Walsh, his Queensland baptism more than compensates for the pain of his Origin heartbreak two years ago.

The 18-year-old was set to make his Origin debut in Game Two of the 2021 series, only to injure his hamstring at the captain’s run 24 hours before the biggest game of his career at Suncorp.

Now Walsh gets his big break to terrorise the Blues.

Lockyer is confident that Billy Slater is the man to get the best out of Walsh. Picture: NRL Imagery

“Standing in the huddle looking around the room and seeing my Queensland brothers going to war, it will be exciting,” Walsh said.

“I remember as a kid sitting in my living room seeing Queensland run out there and it was my dream to play Origin.

“To have my family’s name on the back of this Queensland jersey, representing them, I can’t wait to get out there and play footy.

“I am pretty proud of myself. I have sacrificed a lot this year. I have tried to be more professional in the things I do on and off the field.

“I’m going to go out there and do my job and whatever Queensland needs me to do, I will do that.

“What has got me this jersey is taking my opportunities and those are the things I want to do.

“I will express myself and be me.”

Lockyer believes that Walsh can rise to the occassion and will deliver in the key moments. Picture: Supplied.

Former Queensland lock Corey Parker wouldn’t be surprised if Walsh produced a man-of-the-match performance on debut.

“If there is an opportunity for Reece Walsh, I think he will take it,” Parker said.

“He could just be the guy to jump out of the box and announce himself as a superstar on the Origin stage.

“He just has that talent and feel about him.

“He is a player where things invariably happen around him. I can’t wait to see Reece in that arena.

“I had a bit to do with him as a 16-year-old when I coached the Queensland under-18s.

“Reece has a great work ethic. Whilst we love all the flash stuff, Reece also works hard and wants to get better and that will excite Billy Slater as a coach and mentor.

“Reece plays with no fear. He is super confident and he doesn’t give a stuff in regards to failure.

“He will back himself in Origin and go for the opportunity.”