Brisbane Broncos star decided to quit and never return back…

In a twist for Origin 2, Billy Slater discusses Selwyn Cobbo’s call amidst Reece Walsh and David Fifita.

Billy Slater has named Reece Walsh at fullback for State of Origin 2, but the Maroons have opted to leave Selwyn Cobbo out and there’s still no room for David Fifita despite J’Maine Hopgood also being out. Walsh was heavily concussed in the seventh minute of Queensland’s 38-10 win over NSW in Game I in Sydney after a high tackle that saw Joseph Suaalii sent off.

The 21-year-old has since undergone all required protocols with club team Brisbane after his mandatory 11-day stand-down period – in which he missed the Broncos’ games against Cronulla and South Sydney. Slater named Walsh at fullback on Monday, and as long as he passes final tests in Queensland camp, he will take the field against NSW at the MCG on June 26. “I have been talking to Reece over the last week and he has been ticking all the boxes and being really professional away from playing,” Slater told Channel Nine on Sunday.

Last week, Broncos coach Kevin Walters assured Slater that Walsh would be good to go. “Of course Billy will select him,” Walters said. “I would say Reece’s last seven minutes were enough in Origin I to suggest he will be there for Origin 2. Reece is good. He is doing all the protocols with the HIAs and he will be fine to go for Origin.

“Unfortunately he is no good for us against Souths. He was medically ruled out. He was unavailable to play and I’m very comfortable with that. We care about our players at the Broncos and we want to do the right thing medically for them. He will be back for Billy in Origin.”

That’s despite Maroons legend Wally Lewis calling on Walsh and officials to consider sitting the 21-year-old out longer and missing Origin 2. “As a former player I know you don’t want to wait around, you want to come back the next week,” Lewis told the Sydney Morning Herald. “You don’t want to sit on the sideline or be considered a wimp if you don’t come back in a few weeks.

“But there are too many long-term dangers to put up with now. You need to accept the decision from doctors and medical staff. I’m sure Reece will want to get back as soon as possible. The doctors will be exercising their professional prowess and making sure there won’t be an early comeback. There’s too much to lose.”