By Nick Wright
Reece Walsh’s State of Origin jersey is under threat, as the star fullback has seemingly failed to reach the heights expected of him.
But according to Broncos and Maroons teammate Ben Hunt, a lack of “wow factor” in Walsh’s individual plays is not a failing. Rather, Hunt sees it as evidence of the evolution of the 22-year-old’s game.
Having spearheaded Brisbane’s charge to the 2023 grand final, Walsh has been kept relatively quiet this year, upstaged by rival Queensland No.1 Kalyn Ponga.
Reece Walsh’s attack seems to have gone missing, but a key area of growth has given his teammates cause for optimism. Credit: Getty Images
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has pointed out the defensive changes Walsh has undergone, with the man himself admitting he had neglected that area of his game.
“I’ve probably been someone who’s relied on talent and those things that come natural to my game, but things that I need to work on are those things that … don’t, I guess, provide skills,” Walsh said.
Brisbane have conceded just four tries from outside their own 20-metre line – one from a loose pass that hit the turf deep in enemy territory, and another straight from a goal-line dropout – with a more robust defensive wall now the foundation of their premiership quest.
“I’ve probably been someone who’s relied on talent and those things that come natural to my game, but things that I need to work on are those things that … don’t, I guess, provide skills,” Walsh said.
“I feel like I’ve put myself in better positions this year defensively, my work at the back I think is improving each week, and that’s probably something that I haven’t had in my game too much.
“But I think it comes back from the hard preseason that we had, a lot of running, a defensive mindset, and that’s something that I’m incorporating in my game – having that defensive mindset on top of that attack.”
Walsh revealed he had not spoken to Queensland coach Billy Slater about his Origin prospects.
His season tackle efficiency of 74 per cent is career-best, but his growth in marshalling the defensive line and covering opposition breaks has been his key change.
After conceding 25.29 points a game on average last year in a 12th-place finish, the Broncos have pulled that back to 19.6 under Maguire, while leading the competition for points scored (164).
Walsh’s attacking output has not matched his past heroics, but Hunt was adamant the more “controlled” approach he had taken had been crucial in the club’s four wins from five clashes.
Walsh has long been praised and criticised for his gunslinger approach – condemned for a league-leading error count (14 this year), but lauded for not going into his shell after committing an indiscretion.
There have been suggestions teams have worked Walsh out, but Hunt dismissed those concerns ahead of his battle with the Roosters on Friday.
And he hinted there would be more to come from his and Walsh’s left-side combination.
“I think controlled is probably the best word for it,” Hunt said.
“He’s been working extremely hard mostly on his defence and getting our numbers right, and getting into tackles when he has to.
“He knows he’s got the attack side of things, we just wanted him to work on that [defence] and I think he’s been excellent for us. He’s doing everything Madge asks of him.
“I definitely know he’s working on variations and different things he can add to his game. If teams have worked him out they’re doing a pretty good job, because I think he’s offered a lot still and his best footy for this year is still ahead of him.
“The way we’re playing, we’re a little bit separate on different sides of the field, and we’ve got some opportunities where we do come together and play a bit, so it’s something we’re working on.
“You always keep a few things in your back pocket for certain games.”
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.