The ‘Justin Bieber of rugby league’ tormenting England

A grand three-part showdown between England and Australia, a Wembley showcase of international rugby league, was supposed to start there. Reece Walsh appeared on the television program.

The Kangaroos won 26-6, marking their 13th straight victory over British opposition and keeping their Ashes dominance on track.

Walsh has not previously been in the spotlight, with Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys comparing him to a pop star.

In 2023, V’Landys reported to Australian television that “he has charisma and presence.” He is “the rugby league Justin Bieber.” They appear to be brothers!

He’s a brilliant player, not just something you get out of the box. He’s just charismatic like a pro.

The 23-year-old is a social media star with 640, 000 Instagram followers and is already a celebrity in Australia.

Walsh received his first call-up for Australia the day after the Broncos defeated Melbourne Storm in the Grand Final on a fantastic individual display. In the closing seconds, he made a memorable try-saving tackle, added three assists, and made a dramatic try-saving tackle.

Walsh may be on the verge of becoming a global superstar, as the World Cup in Australia is taking place in Australia in the following year and Walsh has already left an unbroken legacy on this series.

Walsh is compared to an American sporting icon by V’landys, not just to a Canadian pop star.

Following a blundered pass by England’s much-awaited scrum-half Mikey Lewis, Walsh carried the ball 80 meters in Australia’s first attack after the break. The ground gained gave Australia the opportunity to score a stunning second try of the match, despite England’s initial resistance.

Following a sour opening 20 minutes that had given England false hope, Walsh had earlier scored the series’ opening try by wrapping up a dominant team move with a swan dive.

And he added the coup de grace by scoring Angus Crichton’s two scores in front of 60, 000 spectators at Wembley to end the match.

Even if you have no interest in rugby league, V’landys once said, “He’s a champion player, so people want to see those.” Someone like Reece Walsh will make you feel attracted to her.

Walsh also has less flashy scores than that. His defensive play was crucial in allowing Australia to defeat England before the gears changed.

He has been compared to a pop star, and he’s likely to engage in some unusual behavior. He frequently uses painted nails to adorn the field with his four-year-old daughter Leila.

He joked that drinking water from a toilet bowl after playing a game made his muscle recovery go viral on social media last month.

Although his club was still required to rush out a “don’t try this at home” statement, the toilet was brand-new and had not been used.

V’Landys referred to Walsh’s off-field activities as “I think it comes with the territory.”

He is a young man, he says. They haven’t been that serious, in fact. He’s like the rest of us, just like I’m a plumber, which I suppose is a good job.

And he occasionally reaches acceptance. When Walsh was not punished for dragging him off the ball in the first half, Herbie Farnworth was shocked to see the full-back involved in the multi-man scrap three minutes before the game was over.

He is a footballer in the first place, as the Australians put it, and he enjoys deflection more than tries scored.

Walsh, who won man of the match at Wembley, said, “I’m probably happier with the two tries I stopped than the two I scored.”

England coach Shaun Wane questioned whether England had considered how to stop Walsh from having such a big impact on Saturday’s second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium. “Yes. However, we did that for the first Test as well, which was unsuccessful.

We must improve upon that. Without a doubt, he is a top player. He is one of their best players, despite the fact that they have many other top athletes.

“He took a complete risk, but our execution has to be better,” he said.

You always want someone by your side, but Walsh has the traits of all great radicals in sport: they are nightmares to face.

Australia teammate Cameron Munster remarked to BBC One, “I’m very lucky to play with him.” In the Grand Final, he “broke my heart.”

He has it, and “Speed kills, and he’s got it.” He has a unique talent. It’s frightening to see how he’s going to get better.