Reece Walsh cops crushing new blow as Raiders favourite sends emphatic message to Billy Slater

Reece Walsh's grip on his State of Origin jersey appears to be slipping after an underwhelming display in Saturday night's shock thumping by Canberra. And Raiders fan favourite Corey Horsburgh has sent another emphatic message to Maroons coach Billy Slater as his push for a recall to the Queensland side gathers steam. Walsh squandered a glorious chance to respond to rival fullback Kalyn Ponga's masterclass for Newcastle on Thursday night, that has seen calls grow for the Knights skipper to be picked in the Maroons No.1 jersey ahead of the Brisbane star. The Broncos fullback had a night to forget in the nation's capital as Ricky Stuart's Raiders gave the visitors a stark reality check. Many experts named Brisbane among the favourites to win the premiership this year after their crushing win over the Roosters in round one. But Michael Maguire's men were sent crashing back to earth by an impressive Raiders side that made it two wins from two to start the new season.Walsh was well below his best for the majority of the game after coughing up four errors, missing four tackles, and running for just 96 metres. The Broncos fullback is close to unplayable when he's on song but has a tendency to have these sorts of games every now and then and it will surely be a concern for Maroons coach Slater when it comes to picking a Queensland team to try and win back the Origin shield this year. The Brisbane No.1 failed to inject himself into the game during a very quiet first half as Canberra's pack out-muscled and out-enthused the star-studded Broncos middle forwards, led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan. And when Walsh did try to get more involved in the second forty, with his side trailing 16-10 at the break, the Broncos fullback was once again guilty of trying to do too much as errors and ill-discipline came back to bite Brisbane. Walsh inexplicably dropped one ball close to the tryline after breaking through Canberra's defence, before throwing a cut-out pass into touch in another poorly executed play. He also put winger Jesse Arthars - whose hat-trick gave Brisbane hope - under unnecessary pressure after taking a kick return and throwing a questionable pass to his teammate, who was subsequently bundled into touch.