Reece Walsh is in a battle with Kalyn to put for the place of fullback of Queensland and Newcastle’s wizard is a source of inspiration for the Brisbane number one to lift her game while aiming an Australian debut.
Walsh is the head of the Maroons, but the Talismán de los Caballeros Ponga has been in the Red Live to start the season and is breathed through its neck.
“Every time you look at KP exit and run, it’s inspiring,” Walsh said before Saturday night’s homemade crash with Wests Tigers in Lang Park.
“I’ve been looking at him since he was a child who comes at school and being in those conversations with him [Origin selection]It is quite surprising. “
Walsh, who has played five games of origin for Queensland, has indigenous and Maori history but before the multicultural round of the NRL, says he was not tempted to try to qualify to play for New Zealand in the future.
“My heart was always very ready in Australia and Queensland. I grew up here and I always wanted to represent that side,” Walsh said.
“I love that Maori side where we are and I am still learning a lot.
“But it is something that I have always wanted to do as a child: play for Queensland and Australia.
“First, I have to continue appearing here for the Broncos and working hard.”
The focus has been in the stars of NRL and its international loyalties, with the Broncos and the Blues Payne Haas deposit telling the media this week that he is considering changing Samoa. Haas is from Samoa, Switzerland and Filipino.
Kalyn Put and Reece Walsh are looking for the number one of the Maroons for this year’s origin series. (AAP: Dave Hunt)
Walsh began the decisive origin against NSW last year and Ponga, who has eight origins to his credit, left the bank. It didn’t work as coach Billy Slater wanted and the Maroons lost.
In the next six weeks, the duo will bet its claims for the role of Queensland’s initial fullback. Australia will also embark on an ash tour at the end of the year, when Walsh will be in the frame.
The custodian of the Broncos has gained praise of coach Michael Maguire for his defensive mentality this year despite his attack is wrong in the first four rounds.
He has been a member in the defensive line with his organizational work and has put his body at stake.
“Surely, I feel that I have put on better positions this defensively wise year,” Walsh said.
“My work on the back … It is improving every week and that is probably something that I have not had in my game too much, but I think it returns from the hard preseason we had.
“There is a lot of career, a defensive mentality and I think that is something that I am incorporating into my game, having that level of defensive mentality in addition to that attack.”
AAP/ABC
