Reece might be on top of the world right now, but he's no certainty at fullback.
Clive Churchill Medal winner Reece Walsh has captivated the rugby league world, but his spot at fullback for the Kangaroos’ Ashes opener at Wembley is no guarantee.
Coach Kevin Walters says selection headaches remain ahead of next weekend’s Test against England, with Penrith’s Dylan Edwards still firmly in contention for the No.1 jersey.
Walters has promised to name his starting 13, preferred bench, and reserves next Tuesday - earlier than required - to set the tone for his first tour as national coach.
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Fullback battle heats up
Walsh trained in a bib for part of Australia’s opposed session against the French national team at St Mary’s University in Twickenham, while Edwards trained on the opposite side.
When asked about the selection decision, Walters made it clear the fullback spot was anything but locked in.
“Some players pick themselves and others, there’s still a battle on for positions,” Walters told NRL.com during training. “Fullback is a hotly contested one - and so are the centres and the bench. They’re the main headaches.”
Walters praised Edwards’ consistency and hinted that the Kangaroos’ long-term incumbent had plenty of support inside the camp.
“There’s a lot of hype around Reece, but Dylan’s been a good player for a long time,” Walters said. “His form last year for the Kangaroos was really good, so it’s not an easy decision. I’ll speak to the senior players - some are close with Dylan - and we’ll make the right call.”
Walters set to break with tradition
While England are expected to keep their team under wraps until the last moment, Walters said he saw no point in secrecy.
“I don’t see a point in hiding things,” he said. “We’ll name them in a team, certainly.”
The Kangaroos’ training base sits in the heart of rugby union country, with the facility boasting men’s, women’s, and wheelchair rugby league sides. Their access was arranged by former Rugby League European Federation boss Kevin Rudd - a name that has caused amusement within the Aussie camp.
The Kangaroos are expected to return for a more physical opposed session tomorrow as preparations ramp up for the Ashes opener.
A nod to history
Walters’ selection dilemma echoes one from his own playing days, when Allan Langer and Ricky Stuart fought for the halfback role on the 1994 Kangaroo Tour.
That year, coach Bob Fulton used both in the series opener, only for Australia to fall 8-4 to a 12-man Great Britain.
Walters now faces a similar test - balancing loyalty, form, and legacy - as he shapes the next chapter of the green and gold.