A New Zealand rugby league great has called on the All Blacks to make a bold play for Broncos superstar Reece Walsh.
The suggestion comes just days after Walsh capped his breakout season with a Clive Churchill Medal and a drought-breaking premiership for Brisbane.
Now, one of New Zealand’s most respected coaches believes rugby union should offer the 23-year-old a staggering $5 million to switch codes.
It’s an eye-catching idea - and a move that could ignite a cross-code war for the game’s most electric talent.
MORE: ‘That’s not a problem’: Kevin Walters insists state loyalty had no influence on Kangaroos’ selection
Lowe’s $5 million plan
Former New Zealand and Queensland coach Graham Lowe believes the All Blacks should do whatever it takes to bring Walsh across.
“The Warriors won’t be able to get him over here because of the salary cap in the NRL, but I think there’s an opportunity for the New Zealand Rugby Union,” Lowe told Herald NOW.
“The going rate for the stars is a million-plus. Pay this guy $5 million a year. Anywhere else in the world, it’s chicken feed. Make a big statement about him.
“He’s the best young player I’ve ever seen, he’s something special.”
Walsh, who is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2029 on a deal worth about $1 million per season, has rapidly become one of the sport’s biggest names.
From Warriors to superstar
Born in Queensland to a Māori mother, Walsh began his NRL career with the New Zealand Warriors before joining Brisbane in 2023.
He has since played five State of Origin matches for Queensland and is set to make his Australian debut in the upcoming rugby league Ashes.
While a return across the ditch appears unlikely - Walsh is settled in Brisbane with his young daughter Leila - the All Blacks link has reignited debate over league’s growing fight to retain its biggest stars.
Rugby’s recruitment push
The NRL is already battling rugby union’s financial lure, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup looming and international offers on the rise.
Joseph Sua’ali’i’s $5.3 million switch to the Wallabies and Mark Nawaqanitawase’s return to union have highlighted the code’s willingness to spend big.
Walsh’s teammate Payne Haas can test the market from November 1, with Brisbane reportedly tabling a three-year, $3.5 million extension.
Off-field star power
Even without a code switch, Walsh’s earning potential is enormous.
The 23-year-old boasts over 635,000 Instagram followers - the most of any NRL player - and has launched his own YouTube channel.
Celebrity publicist Max Markson told Code Sports Walsh could earn up to $40 million through salary and sponsorships before retirement.
“He could earn $40m by the time he retires - he won’t need to work again,” Markson said.
“He’s young, good looking and pulls the crowds and girls in, and that’s really important for the NRL.”
Broncos booming
Brisbane’s success has mirrored Walsh’s rise, with the club’s market value reportedly surging by $50 million following their grand final triumph.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds and Queensland Premier David Crisafulli have since called for an expansion of Suncorp Stadium ahead of the 2032 Olympics.