Reece Walsh Steals the Show in Rugby League Ashes Opener

It was billed as the start of a grand Rugby League Ashes showdown between England and Australia, but the spotlight quickly turned into the Reece Walsh show at Wembley Stadium.

The 23-year-old Australia full-back produced a mesmerizing performance in the Kangaroos’ 26–6 victory over England, marking Australia’s 13th consecutive win over British opposition. Walsh’s brilliance has once again reinforced his growing reputation as the face — and flair — of modern rugby league.

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The “Justin Bieber of Rugby League”

Reece Walsh has long been a sensation in the National Rugby League (NRL), and now he’s becoming a global phenomenon. Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys famously dubbed him “the Justin Bieber of rugby league,” praising both his charisma and star quality.

“He’s got charisma and presence,” said V’landys. “He’s just something out of the box — a brilliant player with charisma on steroids.”

Walsh already commands a celebrity following with over 640,000 Instagram followers and a growing global fanbase. A Grand Final winner with the Brisbane Broncos, the young full-back combines superstar appeal with elite athletic ability — making him a marketable face for international rugby league.

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A Match-Winning Performance at Wembley

In front of 60,000 fans, Walsh was unstoppable. He scored the first Rugby League Ashes try in 22 years, executing a flawless team move and diving over the line in style.

Then came his moment of individual brilliance: sprinting 80 meters down the pitch following an England slip to create the platform for Australia’s second try. He later sealed the result with his second try of the game, sandwiching two scores from Angus Crichton, and earning man of the match honors.

“I’m probably happier with the two tries I stopped than the two I scored,” Walsh said post-match. “It’s all about defense and doing my job for the team.”

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More Than Just Flash — Walsh’s Defensive Dominance

While his dazzling pace and signature hair flips grab headlines, Walsh’s defensive work ethic sets him apart. His try-saving tackles were pivotal in keeping England at bay during their best attacking spells.

England coach Shaun Wane admitted that containing Walsh will be their biggest challenge heading into the second Test:

“We planned for him, and that didn’t go well,” said Wane. “He’s a class player — special, unpredictable, and ruthless in both attack and defense.”

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A Star Who Breaks Molds

Walsh is not afraid to show personality. Known for his painted nails — a sweet bonding ritual with his four-year-old daughter Leila — and playful off-field antics, including a viral (and harmless) “toilet water” prank, he embraces authenticity in a sport often defined by grit.

V’landys defended his offbeat personality, saying, “He’s a young guy learning from life. None of it’s serious — he’s just like the rest of us.”

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Teammates in Awe — Rivals in Trouble

Even his Australia teammates can’t help but admire him. Halfback Cameron Munster, who lost to Walsh in the NRL Grand Final before joining him for the Kangaroos, summed it up perfectly:

“Speed kills, and he’s got it. He’s a special talent — and he’s only getting better. That’s scary.”

For England, who face Australia in the second Test at Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend, that warning couldn’t be clearer. Reece Walsh — the “Justin Bieber of rugby league” — is not just a rising star; he’s the game’s new global icon.