State of Origin: Maroons blow as Reece Walsh ruled out of Game Two

Disaster has struck State of Origin’s fairytale story with Maroons teenage debutant Reece Walsh out of Game Two. Here’s what unfolded on a day of drama.

Reece Walsh during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Queensland wonder boy Reece Walsh has been ruled out of Origin II.

News Corp can reveal Walsh’s dream debut is in tatters after Maroons doctors officially ruled out the rookie following a hamstring injury.

As revealed by News Corp, the 18-year-old broke down at the captain’s run on Saturday morning and failed to finish the session.

The Maroons had planned to subject Walsh to a fitness test on game day but they have made the call to scratch him from Sunday night’s return bout at Suncorp Stadium.

The QRL will release a statement confirming Walsh has succumbed to a low-grade hamstring strain.

It is a devastating blow for Warriors whizkid Walsh, who was poised to become the youngest Maroons debutant in 26 years following a stunning entry to the NRL this season.

The loss of Walsh has opened the door for Sharks flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo to make his State of Origin debut on the wing, with Valentine Holmes to again answer an SOS at fullback.

The Maroons had a disastrous injury-ravaged build-up before their record 50-6 loss in Origin and they can ill-afford this injury drama as they fight to save the series on Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Queensland coach Paul Green confirmed Walsh suffered a setback at the captain’s run.

“Reece did most of the captain’s run, but he pulled up a bit earlier,” Green told News Corp.

“His leg was a bit tight so we didn’t want to risk him.

“I have to talk to the doctors so I don’t know the specifics of it.”

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Reece Walsh failed to finish the Maroons State of Origin captain's run at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Ronaldo Mulitalo trained on the wing and is on standby for Queensland. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

The withdrawal of Walsh is a major setback for a Maroons side who were banking on the Warriors whizkid’s attacking flair and game-breaking instincts to test the NSW defensive line at Suncorp Stadium.

It is understood Walsh started the captain’s run but struggled to run at his optimum.

He walked off the field during the session and watched the rest of the action from the Suncorp sidelines, with Holmes shifting to fullback and Mulitalo finishing the session on the wing.

Maroons coach Paul Green. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston last week sung the praises of Mulitalo.

“He’s really strong, he’s got a great carry out of the backfield, which is what you need,” Thurston said.

“He set Matt Moylan up for that try (during the first half against the Titans). He’s great under the high ball.”

Originally published as State of Origin: Maroons blow as Reece Walsh ruled out of Game Two