Queensland coach Billy Slater has showered fullback Reece Walsh with praise after the 20-year-old delivered a sublime performance in just his second Origin game, declaring the youngster has ‘no ceiling’ to his potential.
But Slater, the Maroons iconic No.1 who has now coached his state to consecutive series wins, couldn’t help but laugh after a cheeky piece of advice for the explosive youngster in his post-game press conference.
Walsh racked up two try assists, seven tackle breaks and 114 running metres in a sensational showing at Suncorp, before earning a 20-second early mark from the referee as he was sent off for a scuffle with Jarome Laui.
Just like in Game I, he was targeted by the Blues enforcers all night.
But the Broncos No.1 didn’t take a backwards step, and was beaming as he marched from the field to raucuous applause from an adoring Brisbane crowd.
Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Walsh’s epic 5-minute blitz sinks Blues | 01:21
MORE ORIGIN NEWS
STUNNER: Two sent off in fiery Origin as QLD seal series, Freddy gamble backfires
‘IMPOSSIBLE’: Freddy defends Cook call… but NRL world can’t believe it
NSW RATINGS: Moses misfires, pressure ramps up on Teddy as beast delivers best
QLD RATINGS: Walsh stuns in fiery masterclass as DCE ages like a fine wine
SENT OFF: Foxx’s ‘brain snap’, Walsh’s taunts as three players marched in wild Origin
Queensland’s greatest-ever fullback Slater played down the late fracas that saw three players ejected by the referee, saying: “It’s State of Origin. It means a lot to both teams. There’s been a bit go on in the first two games and it just probably boiled over a little bit.
“Looking at it from our point of view, they went after him. Foxx (Josh Addo-Carr) went after him in the first action in game one, Pangai (Tevita Pangai Jnr) came in about 20 seconds after. They had a go at him and they put him under pressure.”
Collins monsters Blues to win MOTM | 01:44
Then he delivered a word of advice for the fiery youngster, who raised the Blues’ ire after the series opener when Walsh declared NSW “think they are better than everyone” and “think they own the game”.
Slater said: “He’s got to learn to accept it. That’s coming for the next 15 years. Trust me, I know! That’s not going anywhere.”
Slater, of course, played in 12 State of Origin series from 2004-18 – and copped more than his fair share of the Blues.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Slater continued: “But he rose above it. He’ll learn from it. He’s 20 years old. He will learn.”
“But boy, hasn’t he had some sort of series? And he’s earned that through his professionalism at the Broncos and his actions week-to-week at the Broncos.
“And when he’s come into camp, talk about that ‘want’. Reece wants to get as good as he can. And if he continues that want, there’s no ceiling to where Reece Walsh can get to.
“It’s been a pleasure to help him along the way and work with him and he’s been a big part of the team this year.”
The Hammer puts the nail in NSW coffin | 00:31
Walsh has repeatedly been compared to the Queensland coach, with clear similarities in the duo’s style of play.
But when Slater was asked on Wednesday night whether he sees parts of himself in the precocious youngster, his reply was emphatic: “No. I see Reece Walsh in him. He’s his own player. He’s not anyone else. He’s very unique to himself.”
‘A BETTER PLACE TO DIE’: Gillmeister goes from hospital bed to lead QLD in 1995
PUNCH THROWN in ugly Origin ending! | 00:56
Discussion about this post