Reece Walsh Origin debate erupts over NSW plan to 'bash' QLD rookie

Queensland great Darren Locker is backing Reece Walsh to stand up to an expected NSW onslaught, amid calls for Blues players to "bash" the Maroons rookie in Wednesday night's State of Origin opener in Adelaide. The 20-year-old will make his Origin debut at Adelaide Oval after some blistering early-season form for NRL high-flyers Brisbane.

Maroons coach Billy Slater says he's full of confidence in his young debutant, amid reports will look to target the fullback with towering bombs and kick pressure to try and disrupt the Brisbane star's undoubted attacking potential. However, it's a suggestion from former NSW star Anthony Minichiello that is sure to ruffle the feathers in Maroons camp.

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Speaking about Walsh on NRL 360 on Tuesday night, league reporter David Riccio claims former Blues fullback Minichiello suggested the NSW players needed to really get physical in their targeting of the Maroons' livewire. “Anthony Minichiello, one of the champion NSW fullbacks for the Blues has called out the Blues to go all out on Reece Walsh, the rookie debutant,” Riccio said.

“The 20-year-old has played just under 50 first grade games. Minichiello has called on the Blues to bomb and attack and bash Reece Walsh at all costs. Minichiello says that he’s an all or nothing player and it’s really set the scene for what should be an explosive match. The stage is set, there’s nothing more that can be done, let’s get it on.”

NSW halfback Nathan Cleary is likely to be given instructions to test the Queensland No.1, with Fittler keen to exploit Walsh's inexperience and occasional shakiness under the high ball. "Any fullback you need to put under pressure, they're isolated at the back," Fittler said.

"Daly (Cherry-Evans) will be doing the same to our fullback. Reece, you've got to watch him everywhere, he's a pretty fit bloke who is in the game a lot. It's his first game and that's important so we're going to make sure he understands it's a step up."

As far as roughing up the Maroons fullback though, renowned Queensland hard man Nate Myles said he would expect nothing else from the Blues, but insisted Queensland would be ready for it. “We’re not fools, we understand that’s going to be a strategy of theirs,” Myles said.

“It will be Reece’s first game so I think they will try and introduce him to Origin and I look forward to the energy Reece is going to bring and hopefully there’s a few of our boys protecting him.”

Darren Lockyer backs Reece Walsh to shine

Maroons great Lockyer - one of the great fullbacks for his state after playing 16 of his 36 Origin games in the No.1 jersey - said he's seen enough from Walsh at the Broncos to conclude that the 20-year-old "is ready for the physicality and intensity of Origin." “Reece worries defences with his speed, but his toughness in defence has improved this season," Lockyer said.

“If the game is tight, Reece is the type of guy who wants to be involved and that’s cruial in Origin games. You want players who want the ball when the game is on the line.

“Daly (Cherry-Evans) and (Cameron) Munster will do their thing in the halves and I think they can create some space for Reece. At the Broncos, Walsh works well with his outside men and is good at finding space for them.

“There’s no doubt the Blues will try and get physical with him, but I have no doubt he is ready for that. Given Billy Slater’s own history in the Queensland No.1 jersey, I think Reece will be well prepared to do his job and do it really well.”

NSW captain and opposing fullback James Tedesco admits that Walsh has been in great form for Brisbane, but warns that the Origin arena is a different beast entirely. "It doesn't matter if you play one or 20 (Origins), you're still pretty nervous on your first catch," the Blues captain said. "He's been in great form and we've got to cut down his time and space, that's when he's most dangerous."

with AAP

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