‘Very disappointing’: Fittler’s sympathy for injured Walsh

Queensland have suffered a huge blow with Reece Walsh ruled out of Origin II due to a hamstring strain.

The NSW camp rolled its eyes when whispers first got out on Saturday that Walsh had pulled up lame during the captain’s run and would be assessed closer to kick-off.

Queensland fullback Reece Walsh is out of Origin II.Credit:NRL Photos

“We’ve finished our preparation. They chose him believing he would be able to do a job. I played my first game [at 18] and I remember what it was like.

“He’s not a weak link. I love watching Reece Walsh play. I think he’s an absolute star. It would be disappointing being chosen, he gets through the week, then suffers an injury, a potential injury, or gets sick … it would be very disappointing for the young man.

“But Val Holmes played there [at fullback] last game. I’m sure they’ll be right.”

Fittler gave his team a clean bill of health, despite the likes of Tom Trbojevic and James Tedesco being given a quiet time at the start of the week.

Boyd Cordner, the recently retired skipper who accepted Fittler’s invite to come into camp and spend time with his former teammates, had the job of presenting the players their jerseys on Saturday night.

“Boyd gets all nervous but I told him he doesn’t have to say much,” Fittler said.

“The timing was perfect. COVID hit, we had plans [for game one] in Melbourne, that didn’t work out, but now we’ve got the perfect person for the job [in Brisbane].”

Fittler is chasing his first Origin win at Suncorp Stadium since taking over as Blues coach in 2018. He said it was tough for the players to farewell family members who had ventured north, only to be sent packing by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk because of COVID, but they were determined to finish their week on a high.

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