‘I’ll pay top dollar’: Gross issue Walsh can’t get a handle on

Reece Walsh justified his selection for Australia’s Rugby League World Cup opener on Thursday night in the most Reece Walsh way imaginable.

The enigmatic fullback was in tears pre-game, made a handful of errors, produced some highlight reel plays and spewed on the field after a long-range try.

The 24-year-old featured in last year’s Ashes series for the Kangaroos and was the star of the show, but was a surprise pick over James Tedesco for the clash with the Kiwis, given the veteran was fresh off a Clive Churchill Medal win.

But whenever people doubt Walsh, that’s when he shines the brightest and his stunning performance lifted Australia to a comeback 24-22 victory.

Playing in the Aussie jumper for the first time in front of his family, the enormity of the occasion wasn’t lost on him as his eyes welled up during the national anthem.

“Even thinking about it now [makes me emotional] ... thinking about my old man and mum and having my family there, it’s the first time that they’ve watched me put on the Aussie jersey,” Walsh told media in the sheds post-game.

“We got letters through the week from our families. I was gonna open it at training, but coach said don’t do that, wait until you get back in your room and sitting there reading the letter and seeing how proud they are of me and how far I’ve come and talking about how all our family helped get us to that point.

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“I’m a bit of a sook mate – I cry over movies and shows, so when moments like these come up, I’m one of those that you want to try and soak it in as much as you can, and sometimes it’s good to let your emotions out and show a bit of passion.”

Once the whistle blew for kick off and Walsh got his hands on the ball, it was clear the Broncos speedster was up to the task.

Walsh had a game-long individual battle with New Zealand fullback Kalyn Ponga that will be remembered for years to come, highlighted by both superstar’s second-half solo tries that had a sold-out Allianz Stadium rocking.

Walsh lauded his opposite No.1 as a “competitor” and said he was “gutted” after hearing the news of Ponga’s suspected fractured forearm, which would likely rule him out for the remainder of the tournament for New Zealand.

In the first half, Ponga made a break and looked destined to score, but Walsh somehow made up enough ground and made the try-saving tackle.

He wasn’t so lucky in the second half though, when Ponga again found open space and then left-foot stepped Walsh cold as ice to score a go-ahead try.

Not to be outdone, Walsh then backed up Jack Bostock from inside his own half, raced into the clear, stepped both Ponga and Jahrome Hughes and raced away to score, setting up a famous Kangaroos comeback in the final 10 minutes.

It was the type of try that Walsh has scored countless times, but to do it on the biggest stage, when his country needed it most, proves why he is one of the NRL’s elite.

But it was what happened straight after that long-range effort that had plenty of people talking, with Walsh vomiting on the field and in clear discomfort.

He was unable to take the sideline conversion, passing the tee to Latrell Mitchell who missed. That ensured New Zealand would retain the lead, 22-20, with a blockbuster finish to come.

While he was able to see the lighter side and laugh it off at first, Walsh conceded the on-field hurling had become a lingering issue and was something he needed to “get a handle on” and offered to pay “top dollar” for someone to figure it out.

“Two pieces of toast will do it to you,” he laughed.

“Honestly, I’ve been doing that [throwing up] since I was about 12 years old and my old man, I was just talking to him about it before. I don’t know what it is, like every time I do a big run [it happens]. That’s why I took my mouthguard out mid-game too, because I knew if I had that in my mouth I was gonna gag.

“I don’t know if it’s nerves or the aerobics and whatever that sports science is, but if there’s anyone out there that can help me, I’ll pay top dollar.

“I’ve gotta bloody get rid of it, because in the big moments, Latrell needed to take that kick. It’s something I’ve probably gotta take control of and get a handle on.”

Despite the late-game chunder, Walsh was magnificent and finished with 206 run metres and nine tackle breaks to go with his blistering four-pointer.

In the process, he’s now given coach Walters a serious selection headache around the fullback spot, with Tedesco set to play against Fiji next weekend.

Beyond that, there’s no clarity around who will fill the all-important role.

Walsh said Tedesco was “massive” for him during the week despite missing out on the No.1 jumper and admitted he was looking forward to watching the Roosters star get an opportunity in the green and gold jumper next week against Fiji.

The Kangaroos’ win over New Zealand was soured by an injury blow, with halfback Mitchell Moses limping off in the 42nd minute.

Walsh went to another level with the side’s main playmaker off the field, just like he did at times in 2025 when Adam Reynolds was sidelined for Brisbane.

But his admission post-game proves Walsh is all instinct when he’s on the field.

“Mate, I didn’t even know he [Moses] went off,” Walsh said.

“I could see he was limping and he was getting through it. Honestly when Tommy [Dearden] came on, he simplified the role and he was awesome for myself.

“I’m not saying Mitch wasn’t, but it was a bit of a dogfight when Mitch was out there. His long kicking game helped us a lot to set that game up and put a lot of fatigue into their middles and their back five, but then when Tommy came on, you know, his communication was so clear and he made it a simple role.

“He was that spark of energy for us, and we all know what Tommy brings to a team and to have someone out there that just keeps competing, it’s pretty inspirational.

“I try and take little moments out of his game and try to put them into mine, and I’m just glad that he’s on our team and we get to call him a teammate.”