Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
"Won't end well": Fears for Walsh once the fame disappears
SEN • September 16th, 2025 2:42 pm
SEN’s Joel Caine harbours grave fears for Reece Walsh after the fame, popularity attention and spotlight has dimmed.
In a week that has seen the young Broncos star lauded for one of the best individual performances in NRL history he was also fined and criticised for an apparent headbutt and middle finger gesture towards fans.
It’s becoming a regular occurrence to be singing the fullback’s praises while in the same breath needing explanations for videos of him apparently drinking toilet water from the bowl.
Indeed, this season has seen him turn games around when the Broncos looked done only to then post videos of himself punching a friend in the head which he later said was “a joke” and that he didn’t support violence.
Safe to say Walsh polarises experts, his peers and supporters.
At just 23-years-old Walsh is not expected to be perfect, but does the label of one of the biggest names in rugby league carry with it a level of expectation for young fans? And should some of his behaviour be ignored to the level it is?
“I don’t believe rugby league players should be there as role models,” Caine said of Walsh’s reputation on SEN's Joel and Fletch. “But he scooped toilet water and drank it and scores a try, he brings the game into disrepute.
“I don’t want him punished (but) from a dad point of view I am concerned for him long term where everything he does gets swept under the carpet.
“He might go win a competition for the Broncos but one day it will bite him on the arse. I hope it doesn’t.
“He’s scooping toilet water in front of everyone to see. Gets sent off for headbutting. Gives fans the finger. I love Reece Walsh, I don’t want him suspended, the NRL aren’t his parents.
“If his life continues to be ‘do whatever he wants to do being swept under the carpet’ it won’t end well.”
This week saw Walsh let off with just a fine after an apparent headbutt on Hudson Young during the Broncos’ insane victory over the Raiders on Sunday.
Many called for him to be banned, but he will be available for the preliminary final on Sunday week.
“I don’t give a rats about his position in the game because I want him in the prelim and GF,”
Caine continued before questioning who is actually looking out for Walsh’s best interests.
Caine continued before questioning who is actually looking out for Walsh’s best interests.
“Madge is there on a 2-3 year contract. It’s not his job to look after Walsh.
“Players get treated differently at a certain level.
“When Walsh is 35 sitting in the pub, we as commentators and broadcasters and the game, no one gives a rats. That’s is fact.
“This kid, he is a superstar, but in life are we setting this person up for failure?”
