EXCLUSIVE: Phil Gould Reveals Reasons Behind ‘Overzealous’ Reece Walsh’s Omission from Maroons Squad

Phil Gould has suggested that Reece Walsh’s “over-zealous” approach to the game, coupled with his relentless desire to establish himself as an Origin-level player, ultimately worked against him in the selection process.

The most successful coach in NSW Origin history also believes that Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, who has been chosen to fill the fullback position for Queensland in the decisive match next Wednesday, will complement the Maroons’ playmakers and could potentially “make a significant impact.”

With Kalyn Ponga sidelined due to a foot injury, Queensland coach Billy Slater faced a pivotal selection choice: move Tabuai-Fidow from the right wing to fullback and seek a replacement for him, or reinstate Walsh.

Slater chose the first option, making what many consider one of the most remarkable selection decisions in Origin’s history by bringing in rugby league veteran Gehamat Shibasaki for his debut with the Maroons.

“I think the selection of Hamiso at fullback is a stroke of genius,” Gould remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus podcast.

“Having watched the last few Dolphins matches, he is absolutely terrifying in that role… and that’s precisely what gives me pause now.”

According to Gould, Tabuai-Fidow is “completely different” from Walsh.

“I can understand Billy’s rationale,” the Canterbury general manager of football noted.

“He’s established that his playmakers—[Cameron] Munster and Harry Grant—are paramount. If they can gain possession, and with [Tom] Dearden being an attacking halfback, what I don’t want is an over-eager fullback who tries to showcase his Origin abilities rather than play his part where Walsh is in his career right now.

“What I need is someone who can capitalise on the opportunities that arise in attack.”

“For instance, if [Josh] Papali’i can gain some momentum and the forwards do their job, then if Munster, Grant, and Dearden can secure enough possession to challenge the opposition, we just need someone to make the right pass or semi-break, and Hammer will be on it.”

“In contrast, if Slater were to select Reece Walsh, whose inclination is to get the ball out the back, dart around the flanks, and launch risky plays, he might undermine the established structure,” Gould observed.

“Hamiso isn’t about creating opportunities; he’s about capitalising on them.”

After playing at right centre in the series opener and on the wing in game two, Tabuai-Fidow is set to take on the fullback role, a position he excels in and has been in top form for the Dolphins, scoring eight tries over his last four matches to lead the NRL scoring chart.

He netted four tries on Saturday in a 50-28 victory over South Sydney, taking his season tally to 15.

This will be Tabuai-Fidow’s maiden Origin match at fullback.

Walsh served as Queensland’s fullback during the 2023 Origin series—which the Maroons clinched 2-1—as well as for last year’s series, which the Blues won 2-1. However, he has been dealing with a knee injury leading into this year’s campaign.

Although the Broncos fullback has featured in three games since his return, it’s evident that he has yet to fully recover from that injury.

“Billy’s decision makes perfect sense and deserves credit because he requires a player who can capitalise on the key moments and opportunities created by Harry Grant and Munster. That’s where their strength lies,” Gould noted.

“I don’t need Reece Walsh taking chances and making mistakes or feeling he has to be the primary playmaker. There will be an appropriate time for that in the future.”

“As long as Grant and Munster secure enough possession, they can create sufficient opportunities for Hamiso to shine and push through.”

“This decision demonstrates real insight.”