Billy’s big fullback boost as key enforcer races the clock
The Maroons are reportedly sweating on the fitness of two key stars ahead of their team announcement on Monday morning, but have received a huge boost.
The Courier Mail is reporting that both Reece Walsh is set to be cleared of concussion and will be free to feature in Game II.
Walsh was floored by Joseph Suaalii’s ugly high shot that had a major influence on the series opener, being ruled out of the game after only seven minutes.
He is reportedly set to be named but needs clearance from both Broncos and Queensland doctors before he’s free to take the field and represent his state.
Walsh’s club and Origin doctor reportedly is confident the fullback will have no issues passing cognitive testing meaning he’s almost certain to feature in Game II,
His concussion stand-down period also reportedly finished on Sunday night in a huge boost for the Maroons.
“Of course Billy will select him,” Kevin Walters said.
“Reece is good. He is doing all the protocols with the HIAs (Head Injury Assessments) and he will be fine to go for Origin II.”
Meanwhile, Hopgood missed the Eels’ Round 15 clash after he suffered a back injury in Game I, despite backing up for his club side in Round 14.
Interim Eels coach Trent Barrett admitted he shouldn’t have taken the field due to the injury before he was a late omission against the Roosters.
Slater is reportedly set to pick the one-game gun, giving him 10 days to prove he’s fit and ready to go for the second game of the 2024 series.
Elsewhere, the Queensland coach is expected to pick the same 20-man squad.
PREDICTED QUEENSLAND MAROONS GAME II TEAM
1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Jaydn Su’A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Pat Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. J’maine Hopgood
17. Selwyn Cobbo
18. Felise Kaufusi
19. Ezra Mam
20. Brendan Piakura