Reece Walsh will miss the final game of this year's State of Origin series, with the dynamic fullback suspended for three matches after an expletive-laden spray.
The 20-year-old was found guilty on Tuesday night on contrary conduct charges, after the Broncos star was alleged to have sworn at match official Chris Butler in his side's Round 17 loss to the Titans.
Walsh will miss the next fortnight of the NRL campaign, as well as the final Origin game, opening the door for a new face in the Maroons outfit on July 12th.
AJ Brimson looms as the likely replacement in the No.1 jumper, having featured as 18th man for Game II and previously playing for Queensland a number of years ago.
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Cameron Munster is also an option to switch positions, while in-form Dolphins speedster Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could also move to the role he fills in club land.
Kalyn Ponga withdrew himself from selection after being snubbed for the series opener, with the Knights star instead opting to focus on club football and helping his struggling side turn their season around.
Who will replace Reece Walsh for QLD Maroons?
At this stage, AJ Brimson is the front-runner to replace Walsh at fullback for Game III.
The 24-year-old has played three games for the Maroons and has been in strong form for the Gold Coast since returning from a hamstring injury, notching seven try assists and 31 tackle breaks in eight games in 2023.
The other option for head coach Billy Slater is shuffling the backline around and moving Munster to fullback and bringing Tom Dearden back into the halves.
How long is Reece Walsh suspended for?
Walsh will miss three matches after being found guilty of contrary conduct at the NRL judiciary.
After starring for the Maroons in his first Origin campaign, Walsh will now miss the final game of the series at Accor Stadium on July 12th.
The fullback will miss Brisbane's Round 18 clash with the Dolphins and Round 20 fixture against Canterbury, with the side scheduled for a bye in Round 19.
