Recent form and proven execution in the Maroons No.1 jumper was too hard to go past in Queensland coach Billy Slater's decision to opt for Kalyn Ponga over Reece Walsh for Origin I next week.
The pair have arguably been the biggest example of two men going for one spot in the Maroons side over recent years, with Ponga one again getting the nod over last year's Clive Churchill Medallist and Kangaroos fullback.
Despite this, Walsh's complete absence from the squad might be the biggest omission for fans north of the border.
It was a "difficult" decision, Slater said on Monday morning shortly after squads were announced, despite Walsh previously being among the Maroons "most influential players".
"It is difficult, but I think we've all seen what Kalyn's done at this level, but also in his return when he's played for the Knights this year. He's in exceptional form," Slater told reporters.
"I feel Kalyn's best position is fullback. He knows how to play that position, and he's really nailed it. He's in a real sweet spot of his career and life at the moment."
Walsh's Origin periods in recent years have been plagued by bad luck, obstacles and restrictions.
After siding his allegiance with Queensland and Australia over New Zealand early on in his career — which would no longer have ruled him out of Origin had he chosen the Kiwis — Walsh didn't make his debut despite selection in 2022.
He played the opening two games of the 2023 series before suspension ruled him out of game three.
Joseph Sua'ali'i ended Walsh's contributions to game one of the 2024 series after seven minutes with a high hit which resulted in the Blue being sent off and young Maroon ruled out with concussion.
Full 80 minute outings followed in games two and three before falling out of favour across the 2025 series.
Walsh was part of extended squads but didn't get on the ground.
Ponga started at fullback in games one and two before Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took the No.1 in game three.
Post-series, form warranting popular opinion as the game's most dangerous player quickly came for Walsh as he led the Broncos to their first premiership for 19 years in a man-of-the-match performance, before causing all kinds of headaches for England during The Ashes.
Walsh has completely missed out on selection for game one this year.
"We've seen Reece play at this level a couple of years ago, and was probably one of the most influential players in the Queensland team in that series in 2023," Slater said.
"We know what he's capable of, he knows what he's capable of, and he has a really good understanding of the things he focuses on when he plays his best football.
"I've got a great relationship with Reece, and I've got a lot of time for him. I love the way he plays his footy...he's getting there."
Both Slater and Laurie Daley made widespread changes to their respective sides for the start of this year's series.
With Tom Dearden's unavailability through injury, Sam Walker is poised to make his debut in Queensland's halves, with more debutants across the park.
Ezra Mam again slots into the Maroons' extended squad, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow named at centre, Reuben Cotter at second row, Selwyn Cobbo returning to the wing and Gehamat Shibasaki at 19.
For the Blues, major injury blows ruled out Latrell Mitchell and Bradman Best, with Kotoni Staggs in for his first Origin game since 2022.
Connor Watson couldn't find a spot in Daley's squad, with six new faces named.
The Blues host the Maroons in Sydney on Wednesday May 27.
