Reece Walsh makes huge James Tedesco claim

Reece Walsh grew up watching James Tedesco win premierships. Now he is sharing an Australian camp with his childhood hero, hoping to pick up lessons that could shape his own career.

For the Brisbane fullback, the World Cup offers more than a chance to represent his country. It puts him alongside a player whose consistency he has admired since his school days.

“I wish I could be half the player that Teddy is,” Walsh said, according to NRL.com.

It’s a humble admission from someone who has already achieved plenty himself.

Walsh won the Clive Churchill Medal in Brisbane’s 2025 premiership victory before playing fullback in all three Tests of Australia’s successful Ashes campaign.

Tedesco’s preparation is one area Walsh wants to study. Watching his hero on television was one thing. Seeing how he trains and gets himself ready for a Test gives Walsh a much closer view.

For a player with Walsh’s attacking talent, those everyday habits could prove just as valuable as anything that happens during a match.

“Teddy is one of the greats to do it in our game,” Walsh said.

This World Cup opportunity comes after a difficult finish to his NRL season.

A syndesmosis injury in Round 24 forced Walsh into rehabilitation, leaving him working to convince Australian coach Kevin Walters he would be ready for the tournament.

He made the squad. Now he faces another challenge: competing with his idol for the No.1 jersey.

Tedesco arrives after winning the 2026 Clive Churchill Medal, giving Walters two fullbacks with recent grand final heroics to consider.

Walsh respects the competition but remains confident in his own ability.

That makes their time together particularly interesting. Admiration can sit alongside ambition, and Walsh can learn from Tedesco while pushing his own case for selection.

Australia begin against New Zealand on October 15, with Walsh joined in the squad by Broncos teammates Patrick Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs.

Whatever role he earns, spending a World Cup alongside his childhood hero could help Walsh take another step towards becoming the player he wants to be.