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Phil Gould has got it wrong on Reece Walsh’s State of Origin selection

<span>Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images</span>
Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

That is how former New South Wales coach and current polarising commentator – as well as New Zealand Warriors employee – Phil Gould described Queensland’s State of Origin selection of 18-year-old Reece Walsh after just seven NRL appearances. In comments smothered in both self-interest and sensationalism, Gould claimed “bringing him into a team that was beaten 50-6 .... [is] not fair on the kid”. It’s “not how you develop talent,” Gould continued, despite the fact it is not in Queensland’s charter to develop talent.

Related: Reece Walsh bolts into Queensland Maroons State of Origin game two squad

History suggests, though, that being thrown into Origin with little NRL experience and at a tender age will hardly stymie a player’s development.

Ben Ikin was the youngest and least experienced player to enter the Origin arena, named after four games and three months after his 18th birthday during that tumultuous 1995 season. He went on to spend a decade in the NRL, playing a key role in the 2000 grand final win along with two Tests for Australia and a further 16 games for Queensland in an Origin career spanning nine seasons.

Brad Fittler was one month older than Ikin when he debuted for NSW. He became arguably the greatest Blue in history, playing 31 Origins during a golden era for the state, as well as 40 Tests and 336 premiership matches in one of the most decorated careers of the Origin era.

Israel Folau and Jarryd Hayne have disappointed with their late-career off-field views and behaviour but there is no questioning their successes on the football field. Folau played at the elite level in three codes, representing Australia in both league and union. Hayne won two Dally M medals, is the leading try-scorer in NSW history and played 21 Tests for Australia and Fiji before playing in the NFL.

Will Hopoate and Mitchell Pearce did not go on to major representative success but it is hard to mount a case that being selected early for the Blues hurt their careers. Hopoate has played 174 games as a reliable fullback/centre. Pearce may have been widely maligned for his performances at state level but he has played 19 Origins over 12 years, 300-plus premiership games and won a premiership.

Walsh provides genuine x-factor appeal the the back

Among the seven youngest players to be given their Origin debut, only Brett Dallas failed to enjoy a long premiership career and even he represented Queensland 10 times over three series before moving to finish his career in the UK, where he scored 107 tries in 177 games for Wigan.

Most also did not get drafted in with their state in a great position. Fittler debuted on the back of two straight Queensland clean sweeps. Pearce debuted off a 30-0 loss during Queensland’s period of dominance. Hopoate debuted in similar circumstances. Ikin and Dallas were thrown into a team not expected to fire a shot at the height of the Super League war. Only Folau was given a cushy introduction with Queensland at their best.

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Walsh may have a stellar debut. He may not. But Queensland clearly need him. He is their best option, and they were right to pick him. From his paltry seven games he already has four tries and seven try assists and has pushed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to a wing. It would have been negligent of Queensland not to pick him.

Walsh heads five changes by Queensland selectors and there is no question the Maroons, in this desperate situation, will roll out a better, more balanced side. Walsh provides genuine x-factor appeal the the back. Josh Papalii’s inclusion cannot be underestimated as he is a fierce runner and heavy hitter who helps solidify the Maroons’ middle. He will be ably assisted by defensive rake Andrew McCullough. Ben Hunt is a much better fit as the bench utility than AJ Brimson with his ability to create through the middle as well as be a reliable defender.

NSW State of Origin squad
The Blues squad completing their tradition barefoot ‘earthing exercise’ at training in Kingscliff this week. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Other factors will work in Queensland’s favour, too. Cameron Munster was fresh off an injury in Origin I but now has three games under his belt. Christian Welch missed much of the series opener after a head knock. Valentine Holmes moving to the wing is a major benefit, having scored nine tries in six games on the flank for the Maroons.

It is hard to envisage the Maroons not stepping up on Sunday night. The opening game was an embarrassment and in Origin that historically precedes a more steeled showing. They are at their spiritual home and have been levelled by bookmakers as the biggest underdogs in Origin history.

NSW are rightly up and about. Tom Trbojevic is in other-worldly form. The Penrith combinations have clearly translated to Origin level. James Tedesco remains the best player in the game.

Conditions are primed for Queensland, though. They have been written off. They are at Suncorp Stadium. They are spurned. They will field close to their strongest team. This is the stuff Origin lore is built on.

  • Follow Game Two of the 2021 State of Origin series with Guardian Australia’s liveblog on Sunday. Kick-off in Brisbane is 7:50pm