Joey Walsh’s Journey in the NRL
Speculation about Joey Walsh’s role in the NRL has been a topic of discussion this season. However, the Manly Sea Eagles’ best halves prospect in a generation is more than willing to step back to reserve grade if needed. This flexibility comes in response to Kieran Foran’s potential requirements.
Walsh, a former rugby union prodigy, made a strong first NRL start as the Sea Eagles faced off against premiership favorites Penrith on Sunday. The match ended with a 18-16 loss for Manly.
After giving him his debut from the bench last season, former Manly coach Anthony Seibold had intended for the 19-year-old to develop in the NSW Cup before facing the challenges of the NRL. Interim coach Foran followed a similar approach during his first month in charge. However, Jamal Fogarty’s minor groin injury opened the door for Walsh to take the field alongside Luke Brooks in the halves in round nine.
Walsh impressed with a flat no-look pass to Haumole Olaka’uatu, setting up Manly’s second try. Foran also commended Walsh’s defensive efforts after the game.
“I was a bit nervous,” said halfback Walsh, who faced off against the game’s best No.7, Nathan Cleary. “But I was happy. There were a few opportunities that I wish I could have taken, but ‘Brooksy’ helped me heaps.”
Walsh has been a well-known name in the NRL, particularly in the context of Manly’s plans for the post-Daly Cherry-Evans era. The current first-choice halves combination of Brooks and Fogarty are in their 30s, and Walsh, along with Onitoni Large, is considered one of the club’s long-term halves prospects.
With Cherry-Evans’ departure, Manly experienced its first upheaval at halfback in 15 years. This led to increased curiosity about how much first-grade action Walsh would see in 2026. However, Walsh himself has never felt rushed into playing more minutes, remaining unfazed by the speculation surrounding his growing role in first grade.
“It’s been sweet; I don’t hear too much about it away from footy. The club has some really good resources that look out for me,” he said. “I’m not in a rush to be out there. It’s good getting reps in the Cup. That definitely helped me out there today. There was definitely no rush.”
Fogarty may be fit for next week’s exciting clash with Brisbane, which could mean Walsh will return to the NSW Cup or the newly expanded six-man bench.
“It’s difficult with this new rule; you never know. You’ve got to do what’s best for the team. But boys have been going up and down (between NSW Cup and the bench) all year,” Walsh said. “This year, for me, I just want to get as much game-time as I can. I’m obviously still getting used to the code, so whatever is best for the team.”
To take his mind off football, Walsh enjoys golf and works as a barber one afternoon a week. His hairdressing colleagues made the trip to CommBank Stadium for his second NRL game.
“They were stoked for me. It was good to see them; they all came down. I had lots of friends and family here, so it was pretty special,” he said.
