Has video killed the rugby league star?

In Reece Walsh’s case, temporarily at least, yes it has.

Walsh was untouchable in his breakout 2023 season. His raw brilliance at fullback drove the Broncos to the brink of the premiership.

He was so dominant Maroons’ coach Billy Slater dumped Kalyn Ponga for him at fullback.

Slater bristled at the pre-match press conference before Origin I when a journalist asked: “Billy, why is Reece Walsh ready for Origin?”

Slater paused for what seemed like an eternity, then answered: “Um… have you seen Reece Walsh play?”

Yes we had. The kid was untouchable and on fire, and 100 per cent ready for Origin. In a flash, he became the most marketable player in the competition, with a legion of social media fans.

Fast-forward to season 2025, and Walsh isn’t close to being on fire. He isn’t even smouldering.

There’s no denying the fire began to extinguish in Origin I last year.

In the seventh minute, Maroons five-eighth Tom Dearden took the ball at first receiver and back-rower Jaydn Su’A acted as a decoy while Walsh positioned himself behind. He took the ball at trademark speed and, as he’s inclined to do, drifted across field.

If you go back and watch it, you’ll see Blues centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii rocket out of the line as soon as he saw Su’A was just a decoy.

Suaalii knew it was going to Walsh,........

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