Australia’s rugby league coach Kevin Walters has expressed strong support for Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh as the likely candidate for the national team’s fullback position at the upcoming World Cup, despite a challenging season for the player. Speaking at Suncorp Stadium ahead of the State of Origin decider, Walters reaffirmed his confidence in Walsh’s abilities and highlighted the competition for key positions within the squad.
Walsh, who made a sensational debut for Australia in last year’s Ashes series against England, has faced setbacks during the current campaign due to injuries and the Broncos’ unexpected decline into the bottom ranks of the league. Nevertheless, Walters emphasized Walsh’s unique skill set and his previous international performances as factors that keep him firmly in contention for the fullback role.
“Reece brings an unpredictability that very few players can,” Walters said. “In tight games like Origin, Tests and grand finals, he has that little bit of magic. I also really like his attitude and the respect he has for the Kangaroos jersey. Reece was outstanding for Australia at fullback last year, so he would have to be right in the frame.”
Walsh faces competition from established NSW fullback James Tedesco and Penrith Panthers standout Dylan Edwards, both of whom are considered strong challengers for the position. Walters acknowledged this depth as a positive aspect for the team’s preparation. “Dylan Edwards was also on that tour and, although he didn’t play, I was really impressed by his preparation, training and energy around the group,” he noted. “There’s still a lot of football to be played before the World Cup. We’re fortunate to have good depth with Reece, Dylan and James Tedesco. Reece has time now, in Origin and at the back end of the season to show everyone the player that he is.”
In addition to the fullback discussion, Walters highlighted the emerging competition for Australia’s halfback jersey. While Nathan Cleary of NSW has been the regular choice in that position, Walters praised Queensland’s Sam Walker for his impressive form during the first two State of Origin matches and suggested he is challenging Cleary’s status.
“Nathan has been our number one halfback for a long time, and rightly so,” Walters said. “But Sam Walker is challenging. He is certainly one who’s come into calculations. His form in the first two Origin games has been outstanding.”
The Rugby League World Cup is set to begin in October, leaving the national selectors with several months and ongoing competitions, including the State of Origin and NRL finals, to evaluate players’ form and fitness ahead of final squad decisions. Walters’ remarks reflect a cautious but optimistic approach as Australia aims to maintain dominance on the international stage.