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'Do everything': Walsh credits Walters chat for return
Joel Gould, AAP •  November 2nd, 2026 10:20 am
Reece Walsh has shown mental and physical strength to star at No.1 for Australia at the World Cup | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
When Reece Walsh spoke to Australia coach Kevin Walters in August after ankle surgery concerning his World Cup hopes, there were no guarantees.
It is why the Kangaroos fullback's ice pack on his left ankle after the 66-6 win over Cook Islands on Saturday night, in his second man of the match display in the tournament, was a symbol of his commitment and drive beyond the flamboyance he shows on the field.
Walsh, 24, took a knock to the same ankle against the Aitu in Townsville that he suffered a high grade syndesmosis injury to while playing for Brisbane on August 15.
He played through the discomfort to set up five tries, vindicating all the hard yards in rehab that got him selected for his first World Cup.
"I spoke to Kevvie early and I said if you are thinking about picking me, I am going to do everything I can to get back," Walsh said
"He said, 'Walshy, nothing is guaranteed. If you get fit and get your ankle right I will have a look at it'. I didn't go on holidays. To be honest I worked really hard to put myself in a position to get back in this team."
Reece Walsh has embraced every moment of Kangaroos camp after working hard to be there | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Walsh spent three or four days at the Broncos with rehab and physio gurus such as Lindsay Self and Luke Anning, whom he praised for assisting him in their own holiday breaks.
They told him not to be overly concerned if he suffered a bump on the ankle.
"They generally say that when you have the tightrope (fixation surgery) and rod through it that it is stronger than it normally is," Walsh said.
"I was bound to get a bang on it. I didn't get one in the first game and I got one out there (against Cook Islands) so I feel like it was a good test of strength of it."
James Tedesco is having a major influence on the Kangaroos' World Cup campaign | Photo: Robbie Stephenson/AAP
Walsh is in a fullback battle with Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco, who was excellent in the 36-22 win over Fiji last week in the match Walsh did not play.
Walsh would widely be considered to have his nose slightly in front to play in the semi-final against Samoa at Allianz Stadium on Sunday night, but the coach has given him no indication.
"He actually hasn't. One thing we spoke about being in this environment and this team is nothing is guaranteed," Walsh said.
"We are all here to learn off each other and help each other get to the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup.
"Whatever Kevvie wants to do we are all going to support him. No one has dropped their lip or had a sour taste."
Wearing the Kangaroos jersey means the world to Reece Walsh | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
Walsh, also a Queensland representative, is a sponge taking in Tedesco's wisdom as he lives out his boyhood Kangaroos dream.
"When you look at this jersey I feel like it is the pinnacle of our game," he said.
"Origin level is so amazing but I also feel like as a kid you play in Queensland or NSW to make Australia.
"I wear that jersey with pride. I go out there to represent not just myself but our nation and my family and the people that set me up to be here.
"I feel like being in camp with Teddy has been such a blessing for me.
"To see someone like himself, the way he prepares, the way he carries himself and the character he is ... I am learning so much."
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