Broncos Legend Fears Reece Walsh Could Be Lost to ‘Worldwide’ Rugby

 

Brisbane Broncos icon Corey Parker has expressed concern that young superstar Reece Walsh might one day walk away from rugby league to chase global fame through rugby union.

Walsh, 23, has become one of the most recognizable faces in the NRL. After an explosive 2025 season — where he helped the Broncos end their 19-year premiership drought — his popularity has soared beyond the sport. The flashy full-back, known for his blistering pace, skill, and charisma, is now considered one of the NRL’s biggest marketable assets.

A Star Bigger Than the Game

Parker, a former Broncos great and NRL premiership winner, told the media that Walsh’s fame could eventually draw him toward the global stage that rugby union offers.

> “My concern is that because he has such a huge profile and following, he might be tempted to go worldwide,” Parker said. “Rugby league is massive here in Australia and parts of England, but rugby union is a truly global game.”

His comment reflects a growing fear among league fans that the sport’s brightest young talents could be lured away by the prestige and international opportunities available in rugby union.

The Temptation of a Global Platform

Unlike rugby league, which is heavily concentrated in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of England, rugby union is played and followed across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. For a young athlete like Walsh, who already commands over a million followers on social media, that kind of reach could open doors to international fame and sponsorships far beyond the NRL’s borders.

Reports have even suggested that top rugby union nations, including New Zealand’s All Blacks, might consider offering huge contracts — possibly worth several million dollars per season — to attract stars like Walsh.

Broncos’ Future at Stake

Walsh recently signed a five-year contract with the Broncos that runs until 2029, reportedly making him one of the club’s highest-paid players. However, that hasn’t stopped speculation about a potential “code-switch” to rugby union down the line.

If such a move were to happen, the Broncos would lose a once-in-a-generation talent, and the NRL itself could face a serious challenge in keeping its biggest names from seeking greener pastures overseas.

For Now, He’s Committed

Despite the speculation, Walsh has shown no public signs of wanting to leave. He has repeatedly expressed his love for the Broncos and his commitment to rugby league. For now, fans can rest easy knowing their star full-back remains focused on adding more silverware to Brisbane’s cabinet.

Still, Corey Parker’s warning serves as a reminder: if rugby league doesn’t continue to grow on a global scale, it risks losing its brightest stars to the broader world of rugby union.