Reece Walsh has reflected on his exclusion from Queensland's State of Origin team for the series opener, recognizing that his recent performance has not met expectations.
The young star was notably left out of the Maroons' roster for last week's Origin I in Sydney, as selectors preferred Kalyn Ponga in the fullback position.
Ponga had an outstanding first half but was sent off late in the match for a shoulder charge on NSW's Tolu Koula.
This critical incident allowed the Blues to score 16 unanswered points, leading to a narrow 22-20 victory.
Walsh was absent from the Maroons' bench, with his Brisbane teammates Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki chosen instead.
"I know the standards it takes to play for Queensland and I'm honest with myself. I probably haven't been living up to those standards," Walsh stated.
He added, "That's what makes it [State of Origin] so great. Once you put that [Maroons] jersey on, you know what it takes to get back there."
"I'm a realist and I understand I haven't been upholding those standards, but it's about putting in the hard work at training and relaying that back onto the field."
Walsh concluded, "If I keep working hard in those areas I'm sure the opportunity will come again."