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The LeBron of NRL? V'landy's huge call on Walsh's appeal
SEN • October 30th, 2025 3:24 pm
He once compared Reece Walsh to Canadian popstar Justin Bieber, now, Peter V’landys reckons he has the global sporting appeal of LeBron James.
The 23-year-old Brisbane Broncos is undeniably the biggest star in NRL (don’t tell Nathan Cleary) and now his fame is going global with Walsh-mania taking over the UK as the Kangaroos visit England for a three-Test Ashes series.
The full-back was outstanding in Australia’s 26-6 demolition of England last weekend, scoring two tries on his international debut and pulling off a pair of try-saving interceptions in front of 60,812 at Wembley Stadium.
He was given the nod by Kevin Walters a day after guiding the Broncos to victory in the NRL Grand Final earlier this month against the Melbourne Storm.
So just how much star power does Walsh have?
"He's going to put the international game to another level," V'landys told BBC Sport. "I don't follow basketball, but I'd like to see LeBron James. And this is the same thing for rugby league.
"He's a champion player, so people want to see those, even if you've got no interest in rugby league. You'll be attracted to someone like Reece Walsh."
Boasting 650,000 followers on Instagram and a strong audience on YouTube, Walsh has caused a few stirs with his social media behaviour this season.
He famously drank water from the toilet bowl claiming it helped his muscle recovery post match. And while it was explained as a bit of fun, fans now attend games with toilet seats and Walsh was seen drinking out of a miniature toilet seat-shaped cup after the Grand Final.
"I think it comes with the territory," V'Landys said.
"He's a young guy. And in reality, they haven't been that serious. I mean, being a plumber, I guess is a good profession, but he's like all the rest of us.
"He's going to make mistakes in life, and you have to learn from them."
