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Reece Walsh is set to be available for Queensland for the second time Country of origin clash, with Broncos coach Kevin Walters insisting Billy Slater would pick him.
The 21-year-old Maroons fullback suffered concussion in the first game of the series in Sydney when he was taken out by NSW center Joseph-Aukuso Sualiyi.
His mandatory 11-day suspension ruled him out of Brisbane’s clash with Cronulla last week and for Friday night’s clash with South Sydney.
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Walsh was under protocols and participated freely with the Broncos team in an opposite session on Thursday.
He has made good progress and Walters dismissed any suggestion he might not play for Queensland in Melbourne on June 26.
Walters, who also coached the Maroons for four series, said his star No1 was on course to camp with Queensland on Monday.
“Of course Billy would choose it. I’d say Reece’s last seven minutes were enough in Origin I to suggest he’ll be there for Origin II,” Walters said.
“Reece is good. He is doing all the protocols with HIAs and will be good to go for Origin. Unfortunately, he is not good for us against the South.
“He was medically ruled out. He wasn’t available to play and I’m very comfortable with that. We care about our players at the Broncos and want to do the right medical thing for them. He will be back for Billy in Origin.”
Walsh himself shared his desire to return for Origin II when reflecting on the concussion last Friday.
“Damn see you for the second one then?” he wrote.
Walters said he was encouraged by ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys’ pledge that the game would severely punish players who attack opponents’ heads.
“It’s not just our players, it’s all the players, everyone has these star players on their side,” he said.
“They need to be on the field playing where people can go and watch them and the public who pay money to see these guys. I’m very firm on that so I’m glad the NRL is going to take a really strong position on this.”
Walters said he had no doubt Walsh would attack his next Origin game with the energy and vigor he has made his own.
“He won’t be bothered. He is from Nerang. They’re not shy down there,” he said.
“Reece is as tough a player as you’ll ever see, so it’s not about his toughness and being belted.
“It’s about protecting him the way he needs to be protected on the field.
“He’s an excellent player, not just for us but for the NRL, and to have him sit out for a period of time is not healthy for the game.”
– with 7NEWS
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