Queensland Maroons legend Corey Parker has raised the red flag about one of the NRL's brightest stars, expressing genuine fears that Reece Walsh could eventually be tempted to switch codes to rugby union.
The Brisbane Broncos fullback has taken the rugby league world by storm with his electrifying speed, dazzling footwork and game-breaking ability. But according to Parker, these very qualities make Walsh a prime target for what he describes as the "world game" of rugby union.
The Global Temptation
"My concern for Reece Walsh is that he's a world player," Parker revealed on radio airwaves. "Rugby union is a world game and he's that good that he could easily transition across."
Parker's worries stem from Walsh's unique skill set that transcends traditional rugby league boundaries. The young superstar's combination of raw pace, evasive running and playmaking vision makes him the type of athlete that rugby union scouts dream of recruiting.
Avoiding the Same Fate
The NRL has seen several high-profile defections to union over the years, with some of the game's biggest names being lured by international opportunities and potentially lucrative contracts. Parker is clearly concerned that Walsh could follow in these footsteps unless the NRL takes proactive measures to secure his long-term future in the game.
What makes Walsh particularly vulnerable to code-switching speculation is his youth and the fact that he's already established himself as one of rugby league's most marketable and exciting talents. At just 21 years old, he has potentially decades of football ahead of him across multiple World Cup cycles in either code.
The NRL's Priority
Parker's comments serve as both a warning and an endorsement of Walsh's extraordinary talent. While celebrating the fullback's abilities, he's essentially sounding the alarm for NRL powerbrokers to ensure they do everything possible to keep Walsh in the game that developed him.
The concern isn't just about losing a quality player—it's about potentially losing a generation-defining talent who could become the face of rugby league for years to come. For Australian rugby league fans, the thought of Walsh showcasing his talents on the international union stage rather than in State of Origin and NRL finals is a worrying prospect indeed.
