Reece Walsh’s stardom continues to soar, but rugby league great Corey Parker has warned the NRL could struggle to keep its brightest star out of rugby union’s reach.
The 23-year-old has become the face of the sport after a dazzling season for Brisbane and two electrifying performances for the Kangaroos in the Ashes.
Now, as his fame explodes worldwide, Parker fears the Wallabies may soon come calling.
On top of this, he tips that Walsh’s global appeal could tempt him to make the switch.
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‘He could go worldwide’: Parker’s warning for the NRL
Walsh’s fame has transcended the field, with more than a million followers across Instagram and TikTok and a growing international profile.
Parker believes that level of stardom, rarely seen in rugby league, could ultimately lead the Broncos fullback to chase the global stage rugby union offers.
“My concern is that because he is of such a status and has such a cult following, he tries to go worldwide and bigger,” Parker told AAP.
“In rugby league, it’s just harnessed here in Australia and in the north of England. If you look at rugby union, that is worldwide.”
The former Maroons captain admitted he has “never seen anyone” with Walsh’s level of popularity and hopes he remains in league for the long term.
‘Can’t forecast how big he’ll get’
Walsh is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2029 after signing a long-term extension last year, but Parker expects his brand and reach to continue growing rapidly.
“I actually can’t even forecast how big he is going to get,” Parker said.
“The talent is obvious, but the status and the following are on another level.”
He praised Walsh’s composure in the NRL grand final, saying the young star “was terrific” in lifting the Broncos when their halves went down injured.
Wallabies urged to ‘open the chequebook’
The rugby union world has already taken notice.
On The Good, The Bad and The Rugby ANZ podcast, former Wallaby Jeremy Paul urged Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh to make a bold play for Walsh.
“How fast was he on the weekend in the Ashes? Every time he touched it, it was explosive,” Paul said.
“I reckon Phil Waugh, open up that chequebook, bro. He’d put bums on seats anyway. Look at Suaalii.”
For now, Walsh remains loyal to Brisbane, but with the Wallabies desperate to rebuild their global brand and the NRL facing new threats from rival codes, the battle to keep the game’s most marketable star could soon be on.