Reece Walsh has sent tongues wagging as he hinted he could defect to rugby union and potentially eye up playing for the Wallabies at the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, the 24-year-old posed in front of lockers with Queensland Reds and Wallaroos logos, and captioned the pic with “2031,” a salute emoji and the Australian flag.
Walsh is currently contracted to the Broncos until 2029 but could theoretically then make the move to the 15-man code in time for the Rugby World Cup.
Mark Nawaqanitawase, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Angus Crichton have all done the same as they try to gain selection for next year’s World Cup in Australia.
And Walsh is not the only current NRL star to hint at a potential move to rugby union.
Cameron Murray has also expressed a desire to try his hand at the sport after his current deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs comes to an end in 2028.
“It would be awesome to travel and soak up the atmosphere of what’s being tossed up,” the 28-year-old told SMH.
“I’ll watch closely his (Crichton’s) career because he’s a good mate and I want to see him do well.
“I always support the leaguies that are making the change. So, that’s probably the main reason.
“But it’s always in the back of my mind, and I’ve always maintained the fact that it would be something I would look at later on in my career.
“I’ve got two years left on my contract, so it’s not really the time to start looking elsewhere, but it’s always a possibility and potential.”
Kangaroos halfback Sam Walker has also floated a possible code switch as he searches for his next club.
Originally published as Reece Walsh sets tongues wagging as he hints at defection to rugby union