Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater makes shock Josh Papalii, Reece Walsh and Gehamat Shibasaki calls for game three

Concerns regarding Walsh’s fitness may cost him, despite Broncos coach Michael Maguire declaring he was “well past it” a fortnight ago.

He has been targeted heavily in his five Queensland games, most famously when he was concussed badly following a Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii tackle which resulted in the latter being sent off.

However, Queensland forward and Broncos teammate Pat Carrigan said on Saturday night Walsh would respond to the pressure if called upon.

“He does what he does, and he tries to get nailed every week, so I know he’ll be up for it,” Carrigan said.

“He’s done the work, he’s more than ready to go. He’s grown, he’s still only 22, but he’s playing tough for us, and we’re really appreciating what he’s doing.”

Broncos captain and former New South Wales halfback Adam Reynolds also believed Walsh would provide the Blues with several headaches, given even in Queensland’s Perth triumph they were still outscored four tries to five.

“He belongs in that arena. He certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about, but I’m a Blue Wednesday,” Reynolds said.

“He brings a lot of X-factor to the team, and you don’t want to completely shut him off from that. I certainly love what he brings, and his energy, all the boys feed off that.”