The Maroons have a plan for Brisbane fullback Walsh, named on the six-man bench for Wednesday night's match at Suncorp Stadium, but they have kept it a tight secret.
One thing is certain, his magnificent 2023 series showed that he is up for the Origin cauldron and will shine.
"It's a pretty handy player to have on your six-man bench isn't it? He is one of those players that brings a bit of fear into the defence and can play anywhere," Maroons forward Kurt Capewell said.
"He has practised everywhere for us. Whenever he gets on, if he gets on, wherever that is, I am sure he will make an impact."
The plot is thickening.
Walsh was stalking the sideline when captain Cameron Munster was replaced for an HIA in the first half of the 44-24 win by the Maroons in game two at the MCG.
It appeared from the outside that Walsh was about to go on.
Instead coach Billy Slater sent forward Reuben Cotter back onto the field and moved bench lock Max Plath to defend in Munster's three-in left edge position.
Due to each team having a six-man bench Walsh is in the team that can play in Brisbane, unlike 20th man Corey Horsburgh.
"If (fullback) Kalyn Ponga had gone off in that (Munster) incident, Reece would have gone straight on and he was ready," Slater said.
"The one thing I loved about Reece's preparation last camp is he was willing to do whatever was needed for the team.
"He's all-in for whatever is needed.
"We can get hung up on one individual, but the strength of this team is the team and that's what the squad is locked in for."
Maroons forward Patrick Carrigan, who plays alongside Walsh at the Broncos, said he had been an outstanding team man in camp and would do whatever is required.
"When you're in that position, you have to be ready and prepared," Carrigan said.
"Whatever unfolds, you don't really know.
"I know he cares a lot about this jersey and the people in this team.
"If he gets an opportunity, he'll be ready."
Before game two, while speaking at his captain's press conference, Munster said there was a plan for when and how to inject Walsh.
NSW captain Isaah Yeo and coach Laurie Daley, who were sitting next to him, were all ears at that point.
Munster pulled himself up and did not reveal the plan.
"I will leave it at that, otherwise I will put my foot in it," he quipped.
Capewell was enjoying the suspense in camp on Saturday on the Sunshine Coast.
"It is exciting. Whatever happens, happens," Capewell grinned.
Cotter said Walsh, if he does get an opportunity "would take it with both hands".
He's just glad Slater is in control after his decision to switch Plath at the MCG for 15 minutes worked a treat.
"We are pretty luck having Bill as a head coach," Cotter said.
"He seems to be thinking of every scenario before anyone else does. I don't have to think too much in those situations, just trust in Bill's plans. He is pretty smart. I definitely wasn't going on at six.
"Max can play anywhere and was a six in the Q Cup before transitioning into the middle. He did a good job."
6°C