Walsh up for fight with Cobbo for Broncos fullback spot

Injured Reece Walsh is up for the contest with Selwyn Cobbo to win back his fullback jersey as he confirms his absence for the opening State of Origin match.

The 22-year-old suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury in the round seven clash with the Warriors and the club said he was looking at four to six weeks on the sideline.

Cobbo transitioned from wing to fullback in the 40-18 win over Canterbury last round and had a blinder, as he did on the previous two occasions he played there.

Walsh is favoured to return to the position when he gets back on the field, with Cobbo having the versatility to play multiple positions, but Walsh won't be taking anything for granted.

He spoke at the Magic Round launch on Thursday and mingled with fans.

"I feel like having that healthy competition throughout the club is good. It is only going to push everybody to be their best," he said.

"'Cobs is a freak. I have been really proud of how he is playing. If anything he is giving me some tips.

"It's rugby league. It's the next-man-up mentality we have at the club and everyone is stepping up.

"I am really proud of the way the boys are going, they are fighting each week."

Cobbo is off-contract at the end of 2025 and the Broncos face a salary cap squeeze to keep him but Walsh, signed until the end of 2028, wants the club to find a way.

"Sel has his family here and we want him in the team his whole career if we can," Walsh said.

"I know the club is doing awesome things to try and keep him, I feel he just has to keep playing good footy and enjoying himself."

Walsh is the incumbent Maroons fullback but is resigned to missing the Origin opener on May 28, with the Queensland side picked on May 18.

"No, probably not the first Origin, but you never know how (the knee is) feeling," he said of his Maroons prospects.

"It's holding up pretty well at the moment but hopefully I can get through the rehab and see how we go.

"It might be a couple more weeks. Injuries are frustrating.

"That's what comes with playing our game, it's tough and physical and I have to keep rolling with the punches."

Suspended five-eighth Ezra Mam will be available for selection from round 10 and Walsh can't wait for his return.

Coach Michael Maguire must decide whether he brings him back through the Queensland Cup or inserts Mam immediately against South Sydney.

The other question to be answered is where he plays with the possibility he will slot straight into the No.6 jersey and Ben Hunt switch to No.9 or No.14

"I am really excited for Ezra," Walsh said.

"I know he is working really hard in the pre-season to get back and he has been doing a lot of stuff outside of footy to put himself in a good position.

"I'm excited for when he returns. I'm not sure when that is, but I know he will put his best foot forward for the club, the fans and everyone who has put faith in him."