NRL fans all say same thing as Reece Walsh suffers massive State of Origin blow
Reece Walsh suffered a Hammer blow on Saturday night as Hamiso-Tabuai Fidow scored four tries for the Dolphins and declared he wants to wear the No.1 jersey for Queensland in State of Origin 3. Maroons coach Billy Slater faces a tricky decision for the decider, with Kalyn Ponga ruled out with a foot injury.
Walsh was Queensland fullback in 2023 and 2024, but many have called for Tabuai-Fidow to be given the nod to replace Ponga. Slater has the option of shifting Tabuai-Fidow to the back and bringing in a new winger - most likely Murray Taulagi from the Cowboys.
In his final audition for the Origin role on Saturday, Walsh would have impressed Slater with a try assist, four tackle-breaks and 126 running metres in the Broncos' win over the Warriors. But Tabuai-Fidow blew him out of the water with a stunning four-try masterpiece as the Dolphins thrashed South Sydney.
The Hammer had a whopping 22 runs for 263 metres, breaking seven tackles and crossing the line four times. Many believe he's Queensland's best fullback option (even when Ponga is fit) and he made himself the No.1 option with his performance on Saturday night.
Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries in nine games for Queensland, but has only ever played centre or wing in State of Origin. He was brilliant in Game 1 of last year's series when he moved to fullback after Walsh was concussed.
Speaking after Saturday night's game, the Hammer declared he wants the No.1 jersey for Origin 3. "To have that No.1 on my back, would be super special for me," he said.
"You think about the players that have worn that No.1 jersey (before me) and given it all. It's a bit of chop and change (after playing centre and wing already this series) but I'm comfortable with it. It's my preferred (position) and a good opportunity for me after playing fullback at club-land week in, week out."
Walsh is hoping to add to his five State of Origin appearances for Queensland, and got the backing of his Broncos teammates and coach on Saturday. The 22-year-old is still sporting some heavy strapping on his knee after a six-week layoff recently, but Pat Carrigan reckons he's all good.
"His knee looked good, he's done the work, ready to go and there's an opportunity," Carrigan said. "He's growing. He's still only 22 or whatever but he's playing tough for us and we're really appreciating what he's doing. He does what he does and they try to nail him every week so I know he'll be up for it."
Broncos and NSW player Payne Haas said: "One hundred per cent (Walsh should be picked). He can do a job for them and he should be there."
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While Brisbane captain Adam Reynolds declared: "I'm a Blue next Wednesday but I'd love to see him in that arena. He belongs in that arena. It certainly would give the Blues a few headaches and things to think about."
On social media, fans weren't as convinced about Walsh. The general consensus is Tabuai-Fidow might get the nod, and a poll of over 12,000 Yahoo readers has the Hammer as the overwhelming preferred option.
Just as Walsh got the jersey, Hammer just snatched it off him. Taulagi will be the decider
— Kevs Tips (@tipsfromkev) June 28, 2025
QLD Maroons Game 3 backline (if they're actually serious about winning)1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow2. Xavier Coates3. Robert Toia4. Gehamat Shibasaki5. Valentine Holmes
— NRL Silverback (@NRLSilverback) June 28, 2025
Yep!!! I think in terms of an actual fullback Walsh makes more sense. But for the overall team maybe Murray / Hammer. I wouldn't be mad either way
— JG (@Jaiggg_) June 28, 2025
Hammer by a country mileWalsh still got a massive strapping for his knee https://t.co/N5H5pvoiju
— Kai Tangata (@PTMLSM91) June 28, 2025
Hammer is the best fullback in the league.
— Mark Pickering (@markoid63) June 28, 2025
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