REECE Walsh, arguably rugby league’s most high profile player, missed Queensland State of Origin selection for game one.
The Maroons and their eternal opponents New South Wales each named their sides for the opening match of the 2026 series, to be played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on May 27.
A notable aspect of the selections was they were the first under altered rules allowing properly eligible England and New Zealand players to be available.
England’s Victor Radley and New Zealand’s Addin Fonua Blake and Casey McLean all benefitted from the changes by gaining Blues selection.
Kiwi Briton Nikora made the Queensland squad.
Walsh was supplanted by Kalyn Ponga at fullback with Sam Walker to make his debut at half alongside Cameron Munster.
But the fact Walsh did not even make the extended bench – also changed by the rules which allow teams to suit up six reserves – suggests issues that go beyond pure football.
Having said that, Walsh has been sidelined with a facial fracture recently.
Laurie Daley has named his @Westpac NSW Blues squad for Game One at Accor Stadium 💪 pic.twitter.com/EwpVDGMJKz
— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) May 17, 2026
🗣️ JUST IN: Introducing your QLD Maroons squad for #Origin.
Catch them live at Accor Stadium on May 27. 🎟️ tickets here: https://t.co/enkS4yHasR pic.twitter.com/7r2jGe0U7T— NRL (@NRL) May 17, 2026
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