Billy Slater AXES Reece Walsh as Sam Walker earns shock Queensland State of Origin debut for the Maroons
Billy Slater has made one of the biggest calls of his coaching career by dumping Broncos superstar Reece Walsh and handing Sam Walker a shock State of Origin debut.
Walker will wear Queensland’s famous No.7 jersey in Game One after beating out Kalyn Ponga for the halfback role following Tom Dearden’s injury setback.
The Roosters playmaker has been compared to Maroons legend Allan Langer, with Wayne Bennett declaring Walker is the closest player he has seen to the Queensland icon.
He earned his debut after incumbent halfback Tom Dearden was ruled out with a syndesmosis injury.
Saturday night’s Magic Round clash between the Roosters and Cowboys was billed a shootout between Walker and teammate Daly-Cherry Evans along with North Queensland half Jake Clifford for the vacant spot.
And Walker has earned Billy’s nod despite the Roosters suffering a shock loss at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane fullback
Walsh paid the price for Brisbane’s heavy loss to the Warriors on Sunday, with Slater overlooking the electrifying fullback entirely for his initial squad.
Queensland will field a fresh-look side featuring several debutants, including Dolphins lock Max Plath and Titans winger Jojo Fifita.
Ponga reclaimed the Maroons fullback jersey after making it clear he was willing to play anywhere for Queensland, despite admitting the No.1 role remains his preferred position.
Sydney Roosters star Sam Walker has been named to debut at halfback for the Maroons following an injury to incumbent Tom Dearden
Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was a controversial omission, axed in favour of Kalyn Ponga
New South Wales coach Laurie Daley has also named six debutants, but Slater said he remained focused on his own camp.
‘Obviously NSW has picked a really strong team, there’s a few fresh faces,’ he said.
‘That brings energy and enthusiasm.
”We’ll do our due dilligence and make sure we do our homework on our opposition.
‘We’d be very silly if we didn’t, they’re such a strong outfit.
‘Our priority will be our game. If you get your game right, well that certainly helps nullify the strength of the opposition.’
MORE TO FOLLOW
Queensland Maroons squad for State of Origin I at Accor Stadium:
- 1. Kalyn Ponga
- 2. Selwyn Cobbo
- 3. Robert Toia
- 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- 5. Jojo Fifita
- 6. Cam Munster
- 7. Sam Walker
- 8. Tom Flegler
- 9. Harry Grant
- 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
- 11. Reuben Cotter
- 12. Kurt Capewell
- 13. Max Plath
Interchange:
- Briton Nikora
- Lindsay Collins
- Pat Carrigan
- Trent Loiero
Reserves:
- Ezra Mam
- Gehamat Shibasaki
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
