Reece Walsh’s versatility has the Brisbane fullback in the frame for Australia’s squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, with coach Mal Meninga saying being prepared to “play 13” will help the Bronco’s cause.
Kangaroos mentor Meninga said Australia’s World Cup-winning captain James Tedesco is likely to retain his position at No.1 for the end-of-season Tests against New Zealand and Samoa.
But Meninga is a big fan of Walsh and what the 21-year-old can bring to the table.
Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga came off the bench and played in the middle of the park as a roving lock in his Queensland debut in 2018, while Melbourne custodian Ryan Papenhuyzen filled a similar role for the Storm early in his NRL career.
“Versatility is really key for picking squads for the Kangaroos,” Meninga said at Wednesday’s launch of the Pacific Championships in Brisbane.
“Reece can play fullback and I know he can play in the halves as well. It will be interesting to see whether he can put his head in the scrum and play 13, because that is what you need.
“You need a player who plays 14, or a player who sits on your reserves (bench) who can play a number of positions.
“That will be spoken about at the selectors’ meeting, but (Walsh) is certainly putting pressure on being in the team itself. So is Dylan Edwards and Kalyn Ponga … and Ryan Papenhuyzen is coming back.
“There are plenty of fullbacks around who can play a number of positions.”
Queensland No.1 Walsh outplayed his NSW counterpart Tedesco in this year’s State of Origin series and has had a bigger influence in club football this year than the Sydney Roosters skipper.
Meninga said he admired the level Walsh’s game had gone to but backed Tedesco to remain first-choice fullback for the Kangaroos.
James Tedesco. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
“Teddy is the incumbent. He is the captain of the Kangaroos,” Meninga said.
“He led the team to a successful World Cup last year. He has been going well all year. His effort levels are great.
“We have got a couple of other selectors but in my mind he is the number one fullback at the moment and out of loyalty he should be selected.”
Meninga said form, loyalty and performances at representative level would all be taken into account when picking his side to play Samoa in Townsville on October 14 for the Pacific Championships opener.
“I don’t believe that playing right through the finals series puts you in a better place than if you get knocked out in the bottom nine,’ Meninga said.
“The rest could do some people good. If you are talking (about) Teddy … if he gets to have a bit of a spell for a number of weeks he will come back a better player and more refreshed and looking forward to playing in the green and gold jersey.”
Robbo
Roar Rookie
I guess several Aussies could play in multiple positions and fullbacks generally can tackle well. Dont think I'd have him at 13 though - more likely centre
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Yep but he can't so.......
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I'll bet Kevvie would be thrilled to read Mal's comments about Walsh potentially playing in the forwards. He's not that big, so asking him to make even 20 or 25 tackles a game would be problematic. And he's going to be targeted for sure. If that's how Mal thinks he could be used, I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear Walsh is unavailable for selection thanks to a mystery injury
Pyromaniac
Roar Rookie
I agree that he does have some growing up to do, and I can accept that Tedesco will probably keep the jersey as the captain, but if the fullback in form was to be selected it would be Walsh. Also Luai is 5 years older so he has less of an excuse for acting how he does.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Walsh is an immense talent. No doubt about that. But I’d like to see him grow up before he is rewarded with a Kangaroos jersey. People dislike Jarome Luai for far less than what we have seen from Walsh, both on and off the field.
Pyromaniac
Roar Rookie
Did Walsh kill your dog or something. Since Turbo is constantly broken, Ponga gets a head knock every game and Tedesco has been underwhelming this season, Walsh should play fullback for Aus
Horses for Courses
Roar Rookie
It's going to happen eventually, maybe if Trbojevic could stay on the park for more than five games a season he would be the fullback.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
No to Walsh. We don’t need that drug addled, obnoxious little brat representing our country.
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
If Mal thinks Walsh is a better choice at lock than Carrigan, Yeo or Murry he need to step aside
wilbas
Roar Rookie
Walsh may go the way of Lockyer and play five eight
Rellum
Roar Guru
Or you could just not pick Teddy and find a real number 14. I kind of assume Grant or Hunt will be 14