But last Sunday’s game at Suncorp Stadium should give the Blues some sort of comfort.

Payne Haas is the Blues player who knows Walsh beset because he plays with him every week at the Broncos, and commended the Titans for having a bit of joy stopping the fullback.

“They did it well on Sunday, but heaps of other people try to do that as well, and you can end up smoking the long ball [past Walsh] – it can be hard,” Haas said.

“I actually don’t know how you stop him. I’m still trying to figure it out at training because he carves us up on the edges.

“He’s a special player. You can’t keep him out of the game too long. I’m sure he’ll find another way if we do nullify something he’s good at. He plays what’s in front of him. That’s why he is so dangerous – he’s always chancing his arm.

“Reece has got everything, the looks, the talent, he’s a special individual. We all see what he does on the field, but he’s an even better bloke off the field.”

Haas said NSW coach Michael Maguire had not leaned on him for any Walsh intel, and the better person to ask was assistant coach John Cartwright, who is also part of Kevin Walters’ staff at the Broncos.

“‘Carty’ would know more than me, he’ll know Walsh’s game inside and out,” Haas said.

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NSW’s Stephen Crichton is one of the best defensive centres in the game, and will no doubt look to shut down Walsh on any sweep play.

When asked about stopping Walsh, Crichton said: “We need to limit him as much as we can. It’s not just about jamming, it’s about being in the right position at the right time. The moment you think, ‘just jam’, he won’t get the ball and it will go across him. You can get exposed.”

Cameron Munster exposed Walsh early last year with short kicks, which forced the fullback to run on to the ball, but the 21-year-old has an unbelievable ability to wipe any error and keep playing.

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