State of Origin 2024: NSW to target Reece Walsh as statistics reveal Maroons’ error-riddled backline
NSW will target Queensland sensation Reece Walsh as statistics emerge that reveal the Maroons have selected one of the most error-riddled back lines in State of Origin history.
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NSW forward Payne Haas says the Blues will ramp up the pressure on Queensland sensation Reece Walsh as statistics emerge that suggest the Maroons have selected one of the most error-riddled back lines in State of Origin history.
Haas and Walsh are clubmates at the Brisbane Broncos but their friendship will be cast aside on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium as the Blues look to kick off the Origin series with a win on home soil.
Their confidence will no doubt have been helped given Fox Sports Lab statistics that show the Maroons’ biggest names have fumbled and bumbled their way through the opening three months of the NRL premiership.
Queensland hooker Ben Hunt has made 27 errors this season, the most by any player in the NRL. Walsh, Daly Cherry-Evans, Selwyn Cobbo and Valentine Holmes are also in the NRL’s top 10 for blunders according to the Fox Lab, the quintet combining for 106 errors through the opening 12 rounds.
The only Blues player in the top 10 is Nicho Hynes.
Haas knows Walsh as well as any player in the NSW side and is well aware of how dangerous the Brisbane and Queensland No.1 can be with the ball in his hands.
He and his teammates also know that Walsh can be prone to the odd error or two, something they plan to take advantage of on Wednesday night.
“He is a special player,” Haas said.
“He is like a little brother to me as well. You know what he is going to bring in Origin. I think (Queensland coach) Billy (Slater) is going to pull it back for him a bit and he is just going to do his job.
“Obviously when we get the chance we are going to pressure him but it has to be the whole team, not just one person.”
While Walsh may gift the Blues some opportunities with his mistakes, he is also capable of ripping NSW apart if they drop their guard.
The Broncos No.1 has had a mixed year but he showed last year that he belonged in the Origin arena as he helped the Maroons to a series win.
NSW are well aware of the danger he presents and they need to corral him when he gets his hands on the ball. If they don’t, it might be curtains.
“One hundred per cent – you look at what he does for our team and the points out of nothing,” Haas said.
“Obviously you have to watch him.”
Haas won’t hold back even though he and Walsh have known each other for some time – Walsh and Haas’ younger brother Klese are good mates who went to high school together.
“He was close with my broth Klese and used to be at our house all the time growing up,” Haas said.
“I am proud of what he has done now – he has a little daughter as well. Like I said on the field we are not mates – we are all enemies.”
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Originally published as State of Origin 2024: NSW to target Reece Walsh as statistics reveal Maroons’ error-riddled backline
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