NRL 2023: Broncos superstar Reece Walsh snubbed from Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad

Reece Walsh became the golden boy of the 2023 NRL season, but his performances weren’t enough to earn Kangaroos selection among a host of Broncos bolters. SEE WHO MADE THE SQUAD

Reece Walsh has missed out on Kangaroos selection. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

Broncos golden boy Reece Walsh has been snubbed at the Kangaroos selection table as bolters Tom Flegler, Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo completed Brisbane’s ‘Fab Five’ in the green and gold.

On the back of losing Sunday night’s dramatic grand final to Penrith, Walsh’s sizzling 2023 NRL season was not enough to earn selection in Mal Meninga’s controversial Kangaroos squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships.

Broncos stars Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan were selected for the tournament while Flegler, Staggs and Cobbo will make their Kangaroos debuts, possibly in Saturday week’s World Cup final rematch against Samoa in Townsville.

Dolphins flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has also been picked to make his Kangaroos debut while Cowboys duo Valentine Holmes and Reuben Cotter were retained along with fellow World Cup winner and Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Reece Walsh has missed out on Kangaroos selection. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

But there was no room for Walsh, nor fellow gun fullbacks Kalyn Ponga (Knights) and Dylan Edwards (Panthers), as Meninga showed faith in incumbent captain and No. 1 James Tedesco.

“They’re in the conversation but Teddy’s the incumbent World Cup skipper,” Meninga said.

“He’s been a great ambassador for our game and a great player.

“It’s difficult. There’s always going to be that debate and argument about those young kids but their time will come.

“(The Broncos players) had a great year. They get rewarded for the way they play. They deserve to be in the side.”

Haas is eligible to play for Samoa but pledged his allegiance to the Kangaroos after withdrawing from last year’s World Cup.

“Payne didn’t play last year because of personal reasons,” Meninga said.

“He’s told us his allegiance is to Australia. That was even last year.

“He is a great player and it’s great to have him back in the Australian side.

“He is an enormous talent and is being lauded at the moment as one of the best props to ever play the game and I probably agree with that.”

Selwyn Cobbo. Picture: Adam Head

Thomas Flegler. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Carrigan was a certain selection but Staggs, Cobbo and Flegler forced their way into the 21-man squad following strong seasons in Brisbane’s run to the grand final.

Staggs, 24, has played three Tests for Tonga but told Meninga he wanted the Kangaroos to be his primary allegiance.

“Kotoni reached out through the club and I was happy to entertain it,” Meninga said.

“I asked some questions of Kotoni. He was fulfilling the wish of his father to play for Tonga. He feels like he has done that now.

“He always had a desire to play for Australia. The conversation was that I wanted him to commit to Australia for the rest of his career if he can. If we don’t pick him he can go back and play (for Tonga).

“He has made that assurance. I am happy for him to come into the fold.”

Cobbo was picked ahead of fellow Queensland winger Murray Taulagi, a World Cup representative who hasn’t played since the end of the regular season after the Cowboys missed the finals.

“He’s a great story,” Meninga said of Cobbo.

“He was in the picture last year, but a year on and a lot more experienced.

“He’s an excitement machine and a great talent. I’m pretty sure he’ll be very happy he’s in the Australian side.”

Speaking in the lead-up to the grand final loss, Carrigan said he was hoping to challenge Penrith rival Isaah Yeo for the Kangaroos No. 13 jersey.

“I would love to get that Australian jumper,” he said.

“I learnt a lot from ‘Yowie’ at the World Cup, he’s a great bloke and watching him really improved my game this season.

“Yowie is a premiership winner but if I can get a starting spot that would be great.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Broncos superstar Reece Walsh snubbed from Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad