NRL great Luke Keary is mystified about Reece Walsh’s axing from Queensland’s squad ahead of the Origin series opener, declaring ‘something doesn’t add up’ as he aired a conspiracy theory surrounding the non-selection of the footy superstar.
Speaking on Channel Seven’s The Agenda Setters on Monday, the three-time premiership winner couldn’t believe the electric Broncos fullback was overlooked, even for a bench spot on May 27 in Sydney.
‘Last week Cam Smith, Queensland legend and very close friend of Billy Slater, named his (Queensland) team and it didn’t have Reece Walsh in it,’ Keary said.
‘Cam Smith works at the Brisbane Broncos as a leadership consultant, so he’s obviously close with Reece and that team… for him to not have (Walsh) in that team, it was very, very bizarre to me. Very bizarre.
‘There’s something that doesn’t add up and I don’t know how to explain it.’
Keary wasn’t finished yet, pointing to Walsh’s amazing 2025 season in an individual sense.
NRL great Luke Keary (pictured with his wife Amy) is mystified about Reece Walsh’s axing from Queensland’s squad ahead of the Origin series opener
Walsh suffered a fractured left cheekbone during a match against the Gold Coast Titans in April, with Slater opting for Kalyn Ponga for game one of the Origin series in Sydney
Slater told reporters Ponga was in a ‘sweet spot’ of form compared to Walsh, who had not played ‘his best football’ for the Broncos after returning from the facial fracture
‘I just find it very hard to believe that the Clive Churchill medallist, the best player in the Ashes series, he’s probably the best player, behind Nathan Cleary, when he’s on — and he hasn’t been off this year.
‘He got injured, but he (Walsh) hasn’t been off.’
Slater told reporters it was a ‘difficult’ decision to axe Walsh, but has faith Ponga can provide x-factor for the Maroons in the no.1 jersey.
‘It is difficult, but we’ve all seen what Kalyn’s done at this level and also his return for the Knights this year,’ Slater said.
‘He’s in exceptional form and I feel his best position is fullback. He knows how to play that position and has really nailed it.
‘He’s in a sweet spot of his career and life.’
Ponga only recently returned from a hamstring injury sustained in March against the Sea Eagles.
Smith spoke about Walsh’s axing on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy, pointing to his poor defensive reads in the three rounds for Brisbane, where the Broncos were beaten by the Roosters, Sea Eagles and Warriors.
