Warriors prodigy Reece Walsh says it was “crazy” to hear he had won this year’s peers-voted Rookie of the Year gong, expressing his surprise at beating a host of other stellar youngsters.
Walsh, 19, edged Roosters halfback Sam Walker, Sea Eagles playmaker Josh Schuster, Titans fullback Jayden Campbell and several other eligible young guns to take home the prized Rugby League Players Association award.
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“It’s pretty crazy and still surreal to receive this award,” Walsh said on Nine’s NRL Sunday Footy Show.
“There are a lot of great rookies that came through this year so I’m pretty humbled to receive it.”
All it took was one game at the Warriors for rugby league’s most respected voices, including Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler, to slam the Broncos over their failure to retain Walsh, who was poached from Brisbane in April.
The speedster was so promising that captain and superstar fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck made the call to move to a wing to allow Walsh to wear the No.1 jumper.
He collected nine tries and set up 11 others from 16 appearances.
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Walsh made such a striking impression on Queensland’s State of Origin selectors that he received a shock call-up at the age of just 18, before a hamstring injury dashed his hopes of fulfilling his Maroons dream.
“(Playing in the NRL) was everything and more,” Walsh said.
“Coming up into first grade – like you said it was early. I didn’t think I was going to get my crack this year and I was lucky enough to get that. To play a full year in first grade – I’m still pinching myself. It’s pretty crazy.”
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Walsh said Roosters whiz-kid Walker received his vote for the Rookie of the Year award.
“I’m pretty shocked, to be honest,” Walsh said.
“Sammy’s been playing some outstanding footy.”