Why Rugby Australia, the Canterbury Bulldogs and Dolphins all wanted Manly Sea Eagles debutant Joey Walsh
Rugby Australia was quick to celebrate the signing of one Joey, but how long before they’re kicking themselves for letting another slip through the cracks?
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has more than delivered on the hefty price tag RA paid to lure him from the Sydney Roosters, but the governing body was disappointed when Joey Walsh joined the Sea Eagles, his childhood club, having worked overtime to keep him in the 15-man code.
The Dolphins and Canterbury also met with Walsh and his family, but it was always going to be tough to pry him away from the Northern Beaches and the chance to play alongside one of his idols, Daly Cherry-Evans.
That dream will become a reality on Friday when Walsh and Cherry-Evans – the future and the past for the Sea Eagles – combine for 10 minutes or so late in the game against the Warriors.
Walsh attended St Augustine’s College, across the road from Manly’s Brookvale home, and was co-captain and fullback of the Australian under-18s rugby team in 2023. He spent an entire pre-season with the Waratahs while still at school.
His eldest brother, Jack, plays professionally in Wales with the Ospreys – and was once pursued by the Cronulla Sharks – Ben, or BJ, was a competitive surfer, while a third brother, Jed, represented England’s under-20s side in rugby during a playing stint overseas.
Past and future: Daly Cherry-Evans and Joey Walsh at training.Credit: Manly Sea Eagles
Joey’s parents, Pete and Taff, became emotional while attending Thursday’s jersey presentation, and were quick to praise Cherry-Evans for the way he had looked after their son.
Cherry-Evans will farewell the Manly faithful after 15 years and 352 NRL games on Friday, but can add fast-tracking the development of Walsh, one of his Curl Curl neighbours, to the legacy he leaves behind.
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