Australia's talisman, likened to LeBron James, has left a lasting legacy in the Ashes series amid gloom over the sport's future. The 23-year-old full-back has become the hottest attraction in rugby league, drawing crowds and interest far beyond the usual fanbase.
After the third Test at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, a mob of supporters gathered outside the players' entrance, not for home players or even Nathan Cleary, but solely for Reece Walsh. His on-field heroics, including a standout performance in the first Test at Wembley, have been matched by his off-pitch engagement, signing autographs and posing for photos long after matches.
Walsh's impact has been compared to that of LeBron James by Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'landys. Former England half-back Kevin Brown noted that people who only watch Premier League football are now asking about Walsh. Jon Wilkin added that a gym partner with no prior interest in rugby league travelled to Wembley specifically to see Walsh play.
Australia's assistant Gorden Tallis revealed that the South Africa rugby union team, staying in the same hotel as the Kangaroos, only wanted to talk about Walsh. While England have bunkered down in Wigan, Australia have embraced community events in Leeds, with Walsh at the heart of the tourist appeal.
English fans will have another chance to see Walsh in February when his Brisbane Broncos face Hull KR in the World Club Challenge. Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said: 'You don't need to be a Hull KR fan to get excited about that game, probably for reasons like Reece Walsh.' The demand for replica versions of Walsh's bright pink training shorts has even become an urban myth.
