Reece Walsh injury an Origin blow for Maroons, Cobbo seizing his chance to impress

Reece Walsh has dropped an injury-report bombshell all but ruling himself out of Origin I, but the Brisbane maestro did find a silver lining to his injury woes.

Reece Walsh has revealed he is all-but out of Origin I as the Brisbane superstar spoke of the battle within to stave off teammate Selwyn Cobbo for the Broncos No.1 jumper.

Speaking for the first time since injuring his knee against the Warriors a fortnight ago, Walsh admits he is at long odds of being fit for Queensland’s Origin opener against the Blues on May 28 at Suncorp Stadium.

Walsh is expected to be sidelined for another three to four weeks with his PCL injury and admits he is running out of time to retain his Maroons jumper for Game One - opening the door for champion Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga.

Reece Walsh injured his knee playing against the Warriors in round seven. Picture: Getty Images

Asked if he could be fit for the Origin series, Walsh said: “No, probably not the first Origin.

“But you never know how it (his knee) is feeling.

“It’s holding up pretty well at the moment but hopefully I can get through the rehab and see how we go.

“It’s just a bit of rehab for me at the moment, trying to keep my knee moving.

“I’m not sure (how much longer he will be sidelined), it might be a couple more weeks, I will get through my rehab as best I can and see how it’s feeling.

“Everyone’s return (from a PCL injury) has been different. I will see how it pulls up each week so I have no idea when I will be back, I will keep doing the best I can.”

Walsh’s impending scratching for Origin I is the latest body blow in a tumultuous 12 months for the 22-year-old, who suffered a sickening concussion in last year’s series opener before undergoing wrist surgery as Brisbane crashed out of title contention.

Now Walsh is facing a positional fight on dual fronts, with his once iron-clad grip on his beloved Broncos No.1 jumper looking tenuous following Cobbo’s rampaging performance against the Bulldogs last week.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Reece Walsh of the Maroons reacts after an injury during game three of the 2024 Men's State of Origin series between Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Filling in for Walsh, Cobbo produced a try assist, line-break assist, three tackle busts and charged for 119 metres, intensifying debate over which player is the best fullback at the Broncos.

The off-contract Cobbo has made no secret of his preference to play fullback - but Walsh says the competitive tension at Red Hill will only motivate him to get better.

‘Reece Lightning’ praised Cobbo’s rare gifts but is up for the fight in the battle for the Broncos’ No.1 jumper.

“I feel like having that healthy competition throughout the club is good, it’s only going to push everybody to be their best,” he said.

“’Cobs’ is a freak. I have been really proud of how he is playing, if anything he is giving me some tips.

Selwyn Cobbo impressed at fullback for the Broncos in Walsh’s absence. Picture: NRL Photos

“It’s rugby league. It’s the next-man-up mentality we have at the club and everyone is stepping up.

“I am really proud of the way the boys are going, they are fighting each week.

After an injury-ravaged 2024 campaign, Walsh has started 2025 in patchy form, with the Maroons maestro still searching for the matchwinning mojo which propelled Brisbane to the 2023 grand final.

But Walsh dismissed concerns about his self-belief and confidence, saying he is working harder than ever under new Broncos coach Michael Maguire to rediscover his peak form.

“Yeah, it’s been a difficult year,” he said.

“It feels like the whole competition has been up and down, but it shows the quality of the competition. You have to put your best foot forward each week.

“Injuries are frustrating. I feel like it’s a part of the game.

“That’s what comes with playing our game, it’s tough and physical and I have to keep rolling with the punches.”

Originally published as Reece Walsh injury an Origin blow for Maroons, Cobbo seizing his chance to impress