Reece Walsh, a highly versatile Australian rugby league player, is widely acknowledged for his role as a fullback with the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League (NRL). Prior to joining the Broncos, he showcased his skills with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL and also played for the Nerang Roosters and Brisbane Broncos.
Reece Walsh: A Brief Biography
Reece Walsh was born on July 10, 2002, in Southport, Queensland, Australia, marking his entrance into the world. He holds Australian nationality and has a mixed ethnic background, with an Indigenous Australian father and a Maori mother from Hastings, New Zealand. As for his religious beliefs, he follows the Christian faith, and his racial background is white. At present, he is 20 years old and commemorates his birthday on July 10th each year, coinciding with the zodiac sign of Cancer. Walsh's father is Rodney Walsh, and his mother is Kahuti Campbell. He was brought up by his father and stepmother in the suburb of Nerang on the Gold Coast, where he developed his passion for rugby league as he played for the Nerang Roosters during his formative years.
Talking about his education, Walsh spent his teenage years attending Keebra Park State High School before being recruited by the Brisbane Broncos.
Reece Walsh represented Queensland under-18 and made a notable contribution by scoring a try in their impressive 34-12 victory over New South Wales in 2019. However, during game 2 of the 2023 State of Origin series, he was red-carded just before the end of the match due to an alleged headbutt on Jarome Luai. Despite his dismissal, Queensland emerged triumphant with a convincing 32-6 scoreline, ultimately clinching the series. Recently, in June 2023, Walsh faced a three-match suspension for displaying improper behavior toward a match official. He exclaimed, "What the f*** do you mean, c***?" directly after referee Chris Butler penalized an obstruction in the Broncos' match against the Titans. Walsh clarified that his outburst was directed at his teammate Patrick Carrigan. Consequently, Walsh was unable to participate in the third State of Origin match as a consequence of his suspension.
Rugby Career
- Reece Walsh embarked on his professional career by representing the Queensland Murri under-16 and Queensland under-16 teams in 2018. The following year, he made significant contributions to the Tweed Heads Seagulls, playing a key role in their National Under-18 Title and Mal Meninga Cup triumphs. Additionally, during that year, he trained with the Brisbane Broncos NRL squad.
- In June 2019, he proudly represented Queensland under-18 and left his mark by scoring a try in their impressive 34-12 victory over New South Wales. Later, in September 2019, he had the honor of representing the Australian Schoolboys, showcasing his skills with a try in their commanding 36-20 win against the Junior Kiwis.
- In 2021, Reece joined the Brisbane Broncos NRL squad under a development contract. Initially, he commenced the season playing for the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. On March 18, a significant milestone occurred as Walsh signed a three-year contract with the New Zealand Warriors, set to commence in 2022. The transition was accelerated when, on April 10, he was granted an early release from his Brisbane contract to immediately join the Warriors.
- On April 25, during round 7 of the 2021 NRL season, Walsh made his highly anticipated first-grade debut for the Warriors, facing off against Melbourne. In May, he firmly confirmed his commitment to representing Queensland and Australia, choosing them over New Zealand. Subsequently, on June 21, it was officially announced that he had been selected as the fullback for the Queensland Maroons in the second game of the State of Origin series. At the age of 18, he would have become the youngest player to be chosen for the Queensland team since Ben Ikin in 1995. However, an unfortunate injury prevented him from participating.
- During round 23, Walsh faced a challenging afternoon as he took on the goal-kicking responsibilities. Regrettably, he only managed to convert one goal out of five attempts, including a crucial conversion near the touchline in the closing stages of the game that could have potentially led to extra time. This 24-22 defeat against Brisbane effectively dashed New Zealand's already slim chances of qualifying for the finals.
- He received recognition as he was included in the extended Queensland Maroons squad for State of Origin Game 2 on June 20. However, he did not have the opportunity to play in the match. Then, on July 6, a significant development took place as Walsh was granted an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Warriors, allowing him to reunite with his former club, Brisbane, starting from 2023.
- He attributed the move to a breakdown in his personal relationship. Despite reportedly being offered $2.8 million by the new NRL franchise, The Dolphins, Walsh opted to sign with Brisbane instead. The official announcement confirming Walsh's return to Brisbane came on July 7, solidifying his comeback to the club with a three-year contract.
- On January 1 2023, reports emerged of an altercation involving Reece Walsh and Gold Coast player David Fifita. Security staff had to intervene and separate the two during an incident at Burleigh Heads. Unfortunately, during a pre-season trial match against the Gold Coast, Walsh sustained a facial injury that forced him out of the game for an indefinite period.
- But, in round 2 of the 2023 NRL season, Walsh made a remarkable club debut for Brisbane, showcasing his skills and scoring a try in their 28-16 victory over their long-standing rivals, North Queensland. The following week, he continued to impress by scoring two tries in a convincing 40-18 win against St. George Illawarra.
- With a string of impressive performances, Walsh's talents were recognized as he was selected as the fullback for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series. This resulted in the incumbent player, Kalyn Ponga, being dropped from the team. Notably, in game 2 of the series, Walsh was red-carded just before the end of the match for an alleged headbutt on Jarome Luai. However, despite his dismissal, Queensland emerged victorious with a resounding 32-6 win, securing the series.
- Walsh faced a three-match suspension for displaying improper conduct towards a match official in June 2023. He made an expletive-laden remark, stating, "What the f*** do you mean, c***?" directly after referee Chris Butler penalized the Broncos during their match against the Titans. Walsh clarified that his outburst was directed at his teammate, Patrick Carrigan. Consequently, due to the suspension, Walsh was unable to participate in the third State of Origin match.
Reece Walsh Relationship: Girlfriend and Children
Reece Walsh is currently unmarried. Previously, he was in a relationship with Freda Puru, and together they have a daughter named Leila Arohamauroa, born in 2021. However, rumors have circulated on social media suggesting that Walsh and Puru have parted ways. This speculation gained traction as they are no longer following each other on Instagram, and Walsh has removed all photos of Puru from his account. It appears that the couple may have separated approximately a year ago, as Puru has been noticeably absent from Walsh's family events and posts following their daughter's first birthday. Therefore, at present, it can be inferred that he is leading a single life. In terms of Walsh's sexual orientation, he identifies as straight.
Furthermore, On September 25, 2021, a video surfaced showing the arrest of Reece Walsh by police at a nightclub in Surfers Paradise. The subsequent day, Walsh addressed the media and revealed that he had violated a move-on order issued by the police. He candidly admitted, "I didn't move on, which led to my arrest and being taken back to the police station. During the search at the station, I was found to be in possession of a small bag of cocaine, which I had consumed earlier in the night." Taking full responsibility for his actions, Walsh emphasized that no one else was involved in the incident, placing the blame solely on himself. He acknowledged his mistake and expressed heartfelt apologies to sponsors, fans, and the Warriors. As a consequence of the incident, Walsh received a $5000 fine and a two-match suspension.
Reece Walsh's Net Worth, Salary, & Source of Income
Reece Walsh stands out as one of the exceptional individuals who possess a diverse range of experiences and unwavering dedication to their pursuits. As of 2023, he boasts a net worth of $1 million and earns an annual salary of approximately $400,000. With notable achievements already under his belt, Walsh has reached impressive heights in his career, yet his journey is far from over. He possesses immense potential to achieve even greater success in the industry. Additionally, Walsh has engaged in endorsement work with various brands, although his primary source of income stems from his flourishing rugby career.
Reece Walsh Haircut, Eyes & Height
Reece Walsh possesses a striking appearance, characterized by his handsome features. He stands at a height of 177 cm (5 ft 10 in) and maintains a weight of 88 kg (13 st 12 lb). His light brown hair complements his dark brown eyes, accentuating his overall appeal. Walsh's athletic physique further adds to his attractiveness. Notably, he has adorned his body with captivating tattoos that enhance his overall aesthetic.
