Queensland fullback Reece Walsh has been singled out by coach Billy Slater as key to the Maroons' chances of taking the State of Origin series opener.
Walsh, 20, has been selected to represent his state for the second time but will make his debut on Wednesday night after an injury scuppered his first appearance in 2021.
The former NZ Warriors fullback has been electric for Brisbane Broncos this season, with his 13 try assists and four tries convincing Slater to pick him over incumbent Kalyn Ponga to wear the No.1 jersey in Adelaide.
However, that selection call hasn't gone down well across the Tasman, with some questioning whether Walsh is ready to step into such an important role on such a big stage.
Slater, though, has no doubts.
"Have you seen Reece Walsh play?" Slater rhetorically asked. "He was picked two years ago to play for Queensland and he is a much better player right now.
"He's got so much brilliance in his game, so much talent, involvement, speed, but he's building a great foundation of that position.
"That's the core of what keeps you in good stead under pressure. I've loved working with him throughout the week.
"He's a great young man, he's very enthusiastic about his footy. He wants to become the best player he can possibly be.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him play out there in a maroon jersey."
On the other side of the fence, Walsh will come up against NSW captain - veteran fullback James Tedesco - as his direct opposite.
And given the enormity of his debut in a series opener, Blues coach Brad Fittler outlines NSW will look to put pressure on Walsh from the get-go.
"Any fullback, you need to put under pressure," Fittler said. "They're isolated at the back and that's part of the game.
"When you look at what he's done for Brisbane and the brilliance he does bring, you've got to watch him everywhere - left, right, through the middle.
"But it's his first game. That's important, we need to make sure he understands it's a step up.
"We'll be trying to do that by holding the ball, giving him some kicks to chase and just doing what we do with any fullback."
Catch State of Origin Game One live on Three and Three Now, Wednesday 9:30pm.
