Reece Walsh Earns First Australia Call-Up as Kangaroos Announce Squad for Ashes Series

Reece Walsh has capped off a dream season by receiving his first-ever Australia call-up for the upcoming three-Test Rugby League Ashes series against England later this month.

The 23-year-old full-back, who was named man of the match as Brisbane Broncos clinched the NRL Grand Final with a thrilling 26-22 comeback win over Melbourne Storm, is one of seven new faces in Kevin Walters’ 24-man squad.

From Grand Final Glory to International Stage

Walsh’s Grand Final display was nothing short of spectacular. He scored a stunning solo try, laid on three assists, and made a dramatic last-gasp defensive tackle to seal Brisbane’s first NRL title in 19 years. Broncos teammate Ben Hunt hailed him as an “absolute freak” after the game.

Now, the young full-back will battle Penrith’s Dylan Edwards for a starting spot, with former captain James Tedesco unavailable due to personal commitments.

Nawaqanitawase Among Other First-Time Call-Ups

Also grabbing headlines is Mark Nawaqanitawase, a 25-year-old rugby union convert who starred for the Wallabies at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. After topping the NRL try-scoring charts in his debut season with Sydney Roosters, he is set to become a rare dual-code international.

Other newcomers include Gehamat Shibasaki, Blayke Brailey, Keaon Koloamatangi, Jacob Preston, and Ethan Strange.

Walters Excited by Squad Balance

Head coach Kevin Walters praised the mix of youth and experience in the squad, insisting his side is ready for the challenge of facing England on their home turf.

“There is a mix of youth and experience and all of them have the desire to represent their country on this stage. I cannot wait to coach this squad,” Walters said.

“England will be a huge test on their home soil. However, this squad knows what it takes to perform at the highest level and to win.”

Australia’s Ashes Fixtures

• 25 October – Wembley Stadium

• 1 November – Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium

• 8 November – AMT Headingley

All matches kick off at 14:30 (UK time) and will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer.

Full Australia Squad

Isaah Yeo (captain), Blayke Brailey, Patrick Carrigan, Nathan Cleary, Xavier Coates, Lindsay Collins, Reuben Cotter, Angus Crichton, Tom Dearden, Dylan Edwards, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant (vice-captain), Keaon Koloamatangi, Zac Lomax, Mitchell Moses, Cameron Munster, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Jacob Preston, Gehamat Shibasaki, Lindsay Smith, Kotoni Staggs, Ethan Strange, Reece Walsh, Hudson Young.