Slater Wisdom lights the fire in Walsh at #1 Broncos

“I look forward to seeing Reece as much as the next person. He’s a great young kid who works really hard and he’s got a lot of talent,” Slater said.

“I’d love to see him focus on the fundamentals of the position, which we probably don’t see often on TV.

“The positional play, the communication, the support…all the things that your teammates recognize.

“He already has a lot of brilliant stuff but if he focuses on the foundation of the position I know he is in and nails the simple things then he will lay the foundation to play consistent footy.”

Slater said Walsh is still young and finding his way in the hustle and bustle of the NRL.

“Sometimes we see young people come in and they show so much brilliance that we suddenly think they should be on the level of Darren Lockyer, Andrew Johns or Johnathan Thurston right away,” Slater said.

“We have to remember that there is a development phase like there was for these players.”

Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga is the Maroons’ reigning full-back but Slater said he’s not looking to pressure Walsh to create a contest for a spot in this year’s State of Origin series.

“I don’t see it as if I want competition for this or that position. It’s not about me,” he said.

“The players will determine where they are in their careers. Their performances and actions on the field will tell the selectors and me if they are ready to play Origin or not.”