Walsh Firming for Maroons Bench as Injury Crisis Hits Queensland
The Queensland Maroons are facing a significant reshuffle for the second State of Origin clash, with a series of injuries to key players opening the door for a potential return for star fullback Reece Walsh. The Broncos playmaker is now a strong contender for a spot on the bench, a move that could inject much-needed dynamism into the Maroons’ campaign after a disappointing Game 1 loss.
The latest setbacks for Queensland include the sidelining of both Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki. In what is being described as a brutal double blow for both the Maroons and the Brisbane Broncos, Carrigan sustained a syndesmosis injury in Round 13, which is expected to keep him out of action for three to four weeks. This timeline puts him in serious doubt for the remainder of the Origin series.
Adding to the woes, Shibasaki suffered a Grade 2 MCL injury in the same match. This injury will sideline him for an estimated five to six weeks, making his participation in the remaining Origin games highly unlikely.
These absences mean Maroons coach Billy Slater is now without three prominent players for Origin 2. Halfback Tom Dearden is also currently unavailable, with his return not anticipated for another three weeks.
Shibasaki, who was an unused interchange player in Origin 1, found himself on the outer even after Kalyn Ponga was sent off. Maroons coach Billy Slater opted for an unconventional move, shifting second-rower Kurt Capewell to the centre position rather than bringing Shibasaki onto the field.
With Shibasaki now injured and fellow playmaker Ezra Mam experiencing a dip in form, there is a growing chorus of voices advocating for Slater to select Walsh for Game 2. Walsh was notably absent from the Maroons’ Game 1 lineup, with the coaching staff reportedly believing he was playing without sufficient confidence at the time.
However, recent signs suggest Walsh is regaining his best form and fitness. He was seen playing without protective headgear or a face guard on Sunday against the Dragons, a clear indication that he has fully recovered from the cheekbone fracture that had previously hampered him. While his performance against St George Illawarra wasn’t his most dominant, he still managed to provide two crucial late try assists, helping the Broncos narrow a significant deficit.
Calls Mount for Walsh’s Injection of “Stardust”
Leading sports journalist Robert Craddock, writing for The Courier Mail, highlighted the Maroons’ need for a spark. “Queensland are one down in the series. They need an injection of stardust,” Craddock wrote on Tuesday. “Walsh may be below his best but can you imagine the snap and crackle he could provide coming on with 15 minutes to play in Melbourne?”
This sentiment is echoed by NRL commentator Justin Horo, who believes Slater missed an opportunity in Game 1 by not including Walsh on the bench. Speaking on SEN radio after the first Origin match, Horo questioned the coach’s decision: “Imagine if he has Reece Walsh instead of Shibasaki or Ezra on the bench? And then you don’t change your edges because Kurt Capewell stays at edge and in the middle of the field. You can’t tell me honestly, you would not have preferred Reece Walsh to come on the field with 20 minutes to go on that game, please. I think Reece Walsh changes the dynamic (and) the look of the final 20 minutes.”
Replacements for Carrigan Under Consideration
The search for a suitable replacement for the injured Pat Carrigan is also underway. A number of players are now in contention to fill the void left by the dynamic forward. These potential candidates include:
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
- Heilum Luki
- Tom Gilbert
- Corey Horsburgh
- Moeaki Fotuaika
The Maroons will be carefully weighing their options as they aim to level the series in Melbourne. The potential inclusion of Walsh, coupled with the need to find a strong replacement for Carrigan, presents a significant selection challenge for Billy Slater and his coaching staff as they prepare for a crucial Game 2. The Maroons’ depth will be tested, and the decisions made in the coming days could significantly shape the outcome of the 2023 State of Origin series.
