Brad Fittler discusses Blues changes, weighs-in on Reece Walsh selection

Brendan Bradford

Brad Fittler discusses Blues changes, weighs-in on Reece Walsh selection image

Brad Fittler says Angus Crichton will start on the bench, with Dale Finucane on an extended bench in place of the injured Jake Trbojevic for game two of the 2021 State of Origin series at Suncorp Stadium.

The Blues coach is also excited at the prospect of Warriors young gun Reece Walsh starting at fullback after playing just seven NRL games so far. 

Walsh is one of five changes a desperate Maroons outfit has made as a raft of injuries threaten Queensland's ability to defend their Origin title. 

Kalyn Ponga - who missed game one - has been ruled out, while AJ Brimson and Harry Grant have also picked up injuries since the opening game in Townsville. 

Joe Ofahengaue and Jadyn Su'a weren't named in Paul Green's side, with Walsh joining Ben Hunt, Andrew McCullough, Josh Papalii and Francis Molo for the must-win second game. 

Meanwhile, Fittler made just two changes, with Crichton and Finucane coming into the squad. 

“The team won’t change much. We’re working between Angus and Dale Finucane,” Fittler told reporters on Monday morning before the squad flew to Kingscliff for camp.  

“I feel Angus will be on the bench and Finucane will be on the extended bench. Not much interruption there.”

Having made his own Origin debut in 1990 at the age of 18 after just 12 first grade games for the Panthers, Fittler said he's excited at the prospect of watching Walsh run out for the Maroons. 

Walsh has been a revelation for the Warriors since joining the club in April.

The 18-year-old has scored four tries in seven matches and has provided Nathan Brown's side a spark on attack with some dangerous running and mercurial ball playing. 

The former Keebra Park kid is set to line-up at fullback next Sunday, with Valentine Holmes shifting to the wing. 

"I know a few other blokes who’ve done that (debuted early)," Fittler said.  

"It doesn’t work out for everyone. I love watching him play, he’s a real tealent. He brings a lot of footy to his team. It’s exciting.

"He’s just a great footy player - very exciting. He doesn’t get discouraged by errors, he just gets on with it. That’s quite a trait, so I look forward to being part of his debut."

With a COVID outbreak in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, the Blues have relocated camp from Coogee to the Far North Coast, but Fittler says the change won't make a difference. 

“It’s a shame we don’t get to spend our time in Coogee because it’s been a really positive place for us. But it ensures us there won’t be any further challenges,” he said.  

“It’s a beautiful place up there. The weather’s not too bad in Sydney, but I’m sure it’s nicer up there.

“There were challenges but not from a playing point of view. That won’t have anything to do with the way we play. We won’t have any excuses.”

 

Brendan Bradford