Ex-NSW star implores Blues to ‘bash’ Maroons debutant Walsh in Origin opener

A former NSW star has implored the Blues to ruthlessly attack shock Queensland debutant Reece Walsh during the series opener.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Reece Walsh during the QLD Maroons State of Origin training session at Sanctuary Cove on May 29, 2023 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Former NSW star Anthony Minichiello has implored the Blues to target and “bash” Queensland debutant Reece Walsh.

Walsh was a shock selection ahead of incumbent fullback Kalyn Ponga, who starred in last year’s series clinching victory.

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But Maroons coach Billy Slater defended the decision, despite Walsh’s tendency to make errors amid his brilliance.

“Anthony Minichiello, one of the champion NSW fullbacks for the Blues has called out the Blues to go all out on Reece Walsh, the rookie debutant,” Dave Riccio said on NRL 360.

“The 20-year-old has played just under 50 first grade games. Minichiello has called on the Blues to bomb and attack and bash Reece Walsh at all costs.

“Minichiello says that he’s an all or nothing player and it’s really set the scene for what should be an explosive match.

“The stage is set, there’s nothing more that can be done, let’s get it on.”

Walsh is set to face the fire. Picture: NRL Imagery

Maroons assistant coach Nat Myles said they are expecting Walsh to be targeted.

“We’re not fools, we understand that’s going to be a strategy of theirs,” Myles said.

“It will be Reece’s first game so I think they will try and introduce him to Origin and I look forward to the energy Reece is going to bring and hopefully there’s a few of our boys protecting him.”

Valentine Holmes and Reece Walsh. Picture: NRL Imagery

Former NSW player Braith Anasta said Walsh was “not the biggest player on the field” and there was no doubt he would be targeted.

“Absolutely he’s going to be targeted but he’s a tough kid. He’s a really tough, resilient kid and he’ll get through it, no doubt,” Queensland great Gorden Tallis responded.

“I love it… because now he knows.”

“Billy got targeted early in his career and at times he came up with clangers like Walsh, but they disappeared and was brilliant, one of the best ever,” Anasta said.

“Reece is a gun, he’s brilliant and he could dominate tomorrow night, but I also know the pressure of Origin, in the Cauldron, 3.1 million people watching… you make a mistake early and it gets tough out there.”

Originally published as Ex-NSW star implores Blues to ‘bash’ Maroons debutant Walsh in Origin opener