Billy Slater Recalls Reece Walsh for Origin II as Broncos Navigate Difficult Patch and Maroons Deal with Injury Setbacks

As Queensland prepares for a crucial State of Origin Game II at the MCG on June 17, Maroons coach Billy Slater has included Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh in the squad. The move comes amid a challenging period for the Broncos in the 2026 NRL season and several injury-related adjustments to the Queensland lineup.

Walsh, the 2025 Clive Churchill Medallist, was omitted from the Game I squad but has been added to the extended bench for the decider. Slater has emphasised a team-first approach while acknowledging Walsh’s established capabilities at representative level.

Broncos’ 2026 Season Challenges

The Brisbane Broncos entered 2026 as defending premiers after their 2025 grand final success. However, the side has faced a difficult run in the current campaign. As of mid-June, the team sits outside the top eight on the NRL ladder following a sequence of losses that has placed pressure on their finals aspirations.

Recent results include a narrow defeat to the Gold Coast Titans and a heavier loss to South Sydney. The Broncos have recorded five or six consecutive losses in some stretches, depending on the exact counting of fixtures, leaving them needing a strong finish to the regular season to remain in contention.

Injuries have compounded the situation. Key players such as lock Pat Carrigan (ankle) and centre Gehamat Shibasaki (knee) have been ruled out for extended periods, with expected returns in rounds 18–20. Other absences include Adam Reynolds (hamstring), Ezra Mam (shoulder) and several others on the casualty list.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has publicly addressed aspects of the team’s performances, including questions around individual fitness in recent matches. The club continues to work through these issues with a focus on consistency and depth.

Reece Walsh’s Form and Representative Path

Reece Walsh has been central to much of the discussion surrounding both the Broncos and the Maroons in 2026. The fullback played a prominent role in Brisbane’s 2025 premiership win and has a history of strong Origin performances, including a notable contribution in Queensland’s 2023 series.

In the early part of the 2026 NRL season, Walsh has featured in a number of games for the Broncos. Reports have noted periods of inconsistency, including a higher-than-usual error count in some matches. Walsh himself has described his recent club form as falling short of the standards required for State of Origin selection.

Following Queensland’s Game I loss to New South Wales, Slater omitted Walsh from the 20-man squad, opting for Kalyn Ponga at fullback. Slater stated at the time that Walsh had not yet returned to his best form after previous injury interruptions. Walsh later spoke publicly about receiving a phone call from Slater informing him of the decision. He described the news as disappointing but accepted it as a realist, noting he had not been meeting the required standards.

Walsh also addressed questions around past injuries, including a facial fracture earlier in the year and previous knee issues. He indicated these had not affected his confidence and that he was focused on training and performing for his club.

Slater’s Selection Decisions and Comments

Billy Slater has maintained a consistent public stance on Walsh. In press conferences around the Game II squad announcement, Slater highlighted his long-standing relationship with the player, dating back to Walsh’s debut for the Warriors. He stated that Walsh has “built a really good game” and that the coach is confident in what he can deliver if called upon.

When pressed on specifics regarding Walsh’s recent club performances, Slater declined to elaborate in detail, saying he would “keep all that stuff in house.” He stressed that the Maroons are “more than one person” and that the team’s strength lies in collective performance rather than reliance on any single individual.

For Game II, Slater made several adjustments to the squad. In addition to recalling Walsh, changes were required due to injuries to Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki. Other shifts included promoting players from the wider squad and adjusting the forward rotation. Slater described the process as focusing on what is best for the team heading into the must-win match.

Walsh has been named on the six-man bench, with his exact role to be determined closer to match day. Slater indicated the coaching staff would work through options during the preparation week.

Injury Context for the Maroons

Injury management has been a recurring theme for Queensland throughout the 2026 Origin series. Several players who featured in wider plans or earlier considerations have been unavailable or limited. The recent club injuries to Carrigan and Shibasaki directly impacted the Game II selection window.

Slater has previously spoken about the need to manage player workloads and integrate emerging talent while dealing with absences. The Maroons have blooded several new faces in recent series, and the current campaign has continued that trend amid the injury picture.

Outlook for Game II and Beyond

With the series at 1-0 to New South Wales after Game I, Queensland faces a significant test at the MCG. Slater has emphasised the importance of the group playing its best football collectively over the next 10 days of preparation.

For Walsh, the recall provides an opportunity to contribute at representative level again. Both he and Slater have spoken about the need for hard work at training translating to on-field performance. Walsh has stated his intention to “keep moving forward and keep playing my best footy” while prioritising what is best for the team.

At club level, the Broncos will continue their NRL campaign with a focus on arresting their recent run of results. The remaining fixtures will be critical if they are to improve their ladder position and keep finals hopes alive. The club has a history of strong finishes in previous seasons, and the return of injured players in coming weeks may provide additional options.

Balanced Perspective on Development and Team Dynamics

Slater is known for his measured approach to player management and selection. His public comments consistently reinforce relationships built over years while prioritising the broader squad. Walsh, for his part, has shown willingness to reflect on his performances and commit to improvement through training.

The current situation reflects the typical demands of elite rugby league: managing form, injuries, representative commitments and club expectations simultaneously. Official statements from both the Maroons and Broncos coaching staffs have focused on these practical elements rather than speculation.

As the Maroons prepare for Game II and the Broncos work through their season, attention will remain on how individuals and the collective respond in the coming weeks. Slater’s squad adjustments and ongoing dialogue with players such as Walsh form part of the standard preparation process in high-stakes representative football.

The focus for all involved remains on performance on the field, recovery from injuries where applicable, and executing team plans. Both the Broncos and the Maroons will continue to navigate these challenges with the resources and personnel available to them.