More mature Walsh grateful to be back with Billy and the boys

From the highs of a series win in front of the Suncorp Stadium faithful to the lows of being banned for abusing a match official just three days later, Reece Walsh rode an emotional rollercoaster through last year’s State of Origin campaign.

The Maroons superstar debuted in Game One and dazzled in Game Two before sitting out Game Three as he served a suspension for contrary conduct during the Broncos' Round 17 loss to the Titans.

Now back in the No.1 jersey for this year’s series opener in Sydney, Walsh said the pain of missing that final game in 2023 has made him treasure the maroon jersey even more.

“It was tough to miss out and it only takes someone to get one opportunity for you to lose your spot,” Walsh told media on Tuesday.

“I’m grateful to be back and I want to do everything right.

I learned some good lessons at the back end of last year and I feel like I have matured a bit more as a player.

Reece Walsh

“It’s exciting to be back in camp and to get the chance to keep growing and keep trying to get better."

One man determined to help Walsh achieve his goals is coach Billy Slater, who played 23 consecutive Origins at fullback for Queensland between 2009-18 as the Maroons built a dynasty the likes of which will never be seen again.

"For me it’s just awesome to be around probably the best fullback ever to play our game, to get the opportunity to be coached by him and mentored, it’s crazy," Walsh said.

"It's like a once in a lifetime sort of thing and I'm just soaking it up.

"Billy's detail around everything is pretty crazy so it’s awesome just to learn more about your body position, the way your shoulder should be and your hips should be... the things you don’t think about that much yourself but he's across it."

Having surrendered his jersey to AJ Brimson last year due to an act of petulance on the field, the 21-year-old has worked hard to control his emotions and ensure that's the last time he has to endure that sort of disappointment.

"The Queensland jersey is special. As a little boy you grow up and all you want to do is be like Cameron Smith and Billy Slater and now we're in the position for kids to look up to us and that’s pretty amazing," Walsh said.

"You want to go out there and do it for your teammates, your state and your family. You don’t want to let people down.

"When I leave training, I want to go and be a good dad, and when I’m at training I want to be a good teammate and footy player.

"If I just worry about those things then the rest of the stuff will just take care of itself."