NRL Superstar Reece Walsh Sends Shockwaves with Rugby Union Code-Switch Hint
Reece Walsh, the electrifying Brisbane Broncos fullback, has ignited a firestorm of speculation across the National Rugby League after openly declaring his potential interest in switching codes to rugby union. The 23-year-old premiership winner, renowned for his dynamic playmaking abilities, has sent shockwaves through the sporting community with his candid remarks about a future in the rival code.
Cross-Code Television Appearance Fuels Speculation
The superstar recently participated in the cross-code reality television show Rivals on Hamilton Island, where he was photographed clutching a Gilbert rugby ball on set. This visual sparked immediate rumours, which Walsh has now substantiated by admitting he can envision himself one day wearing the iconic Wallabies jersey. The competitive fullback revealed to News Corp that the rugby union side of the sport particularly appeals to him, stating that once you get the ball in your hands, the temptation to give it a crack becomes palpable.
Walsh elaborated, "The rugby union side of it, I can probably lean towards that. The competitive side in me, for sure. Once you get that footy in your hand and you see what it's like... it's like 'geez, could I give this a crack?' I'd probably be silly not to say there's a bit of interest there... we will see what the future holds for myself." These comments have sent ripples through the NRL, raising questions about his long-term commitment to rugby league.
Contract Situation and Sporting Exclusions
Currently, Walsh is off-contract at the end of 2029, leaving a significant window for potential code-switching manoeuvres. However, the Clive Churchill medallist did rule out one sport definitively, confirming he won't be playing Australian Rules Football due to the excessive running involved. This clarification narrows the focus squarely onto rugby union as the plausible alternative, should he decide to make a dramatic career shift.
Social Media Antics and On-Field Brilliance
Renowned for his playful sense of humour, Walsh frequently engages fans through social media pranks. Last month, he posted an Instagram story thanking artist Calum Hotham for a mural painting, but it was his seemingly enhanced six-pack that stunned footy followers. While some speculated about potential AI use, Daily Mail refrained from confirming such theories. Beyond the banter, Walsh's on-field credentials are impeccable. He was a crucial figure in Brisbane's historic 2023 NRL title victory, their first since 2006, and shone for the Kangaroos during their Ashes series clean-sweep in the United Kingdom.
His eccentricity extends to recovery rituals, notably when he was seen drinking water from his toilet in September, claiming it aided post-match recovery. The vision went viral, prompting the Broncos to issue a safety warning. Walsh embraced the controversy, incorporating a toilet water try celebration during the NRL finals and concluding his Clive Churchill Medal acceptance speech with the memorable line "plumber out!" after Brisbane's grand final triumph over Melbourne.
As the NRL community digests Walsh's code-switch revelations, the future remains uncertain. With his contract expiring in 2029 and a clear interest in rugby union, the possibility of seeing this serial prankster and elite athlete in Wallabies colours is no longer a far-fetched fantasy but a genuine talking point in Australian sports.
