By Nick Wright
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has confirmed lingering injury concerns for Reece Walsh had nothing to do with his omission in favour of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, declaring “he wouldn’t be here if he was injured”.
Walsh was considered the heavy favourite to replace Kalyn Ponga in the state’s No.1 jumper, after the incumbent fullback suffered a Lisfranc injury, but has instead been named as 18th man.
The Broncos’ marquee man only returned from a knee issue earlier this month, but his form has inspired three-straight Brisbane wins – scoring twice, while coming up with four try-assists, five line-break assists and 11 tackle busts.
Brisbane and Queensland fullback Reece Walsh.Credit: Getty Images
While Walsh has been targeted heavily in his five Queensland appearances, Maroons forward Pat Carrigan declared on Saturday the Brisbane star was “more than ready to go”.
However, Slater was adamant Walsh’s fitness had nothing to do with his selection, and it was Tabuai-Fidow’s form - fresh off scoring four tries against South Sydney - that won the race.
“Reece is in a great spot, I’ve had that injury and I know what it is and how it feels, but it was purely a decision over who we thought was best for the position at this time,” Slater said.
“There’s no one more proud than me seeing Reece back on the field doing what he’s doing, so it’s a great luxury to have both of them in camp.
“Hammer deserves his opportunity to play in the No.1 jersey. It’s not so much about temptation, it’s about what feel you get that is the right decision for the footy team.”
Walsh’s absence has been one of three selection shocks from Slater, which includes Josh Papalii’s retirement backflip and a surprise debut for unheralded centre Gehamat Shibasaki.
Shibasaki admitted in March he felt his NRL career was over as he took up a 12-week train-and-trial with the Broncos, only for coach Michael Maguire to call him into the side.
The 26-year-old’s career spans four NRL clubs – having started in Brisbane – and a stint in Japanese rugby, while last year he was plying his trade for the Townsville Blackhawks in the Queensland Cup.
His and Walsh’s respective call-ups could spell a Broncos’ recall for Selwyn Cobbo, who has been dropped for the past three games before inking a one-year deal with the Dolphins.
“I’ve always spoken about this footy team and the individuals in this footy team give our people inspiration. Gehamat’s story is an inspiration,” Slater said.
“I told him last night you need two things to play for Queensland: the first one is you need to be capable, you need to have the habits in your game that are the standard of this footy team, and the second one is you need the opportunity to be put in front of you.
“He’s playing really consistent football, he’s a great defender, he’s got great principles in his game off the footy, and he’s a big body.”
Billy Slater on Gehamat Shibasaki
“It was a great phone call. You can tell it’s been a dream of his growing up as a boy in Townsville for a long time.”