Cutting hair and blocking noise: Joey keeps hype at arm's length

For Manly teenager Joey Walsh, back-to-back starts in the No.7 jersey only strengthened his confidence as the highly-rated halfback continues to grow into first grade.

The 19-year-old rugby union convert has quickly become one of the most talked-about rising stars in the game, stepping into the starting halfback role following Jamal Fogarty’s groin injury and showing composure beyond his years.

After spending the past two seasons developing inside Manly’s system and making his NRL debut in 2025 off the bench, Walsh’s rapid rise has come during a crucial period for the Sea Eagles.

But despite the growing hype, Walsh is doing everything he can to stay grounded away from football.

“Away from footy, I try not to live too much of that, which is good,” Walsh said.

“Having hobbies in different areas helps you focus on other things.

“Outside of footy I cut hair a couple days a week and then golf takes a bit of my time.

“I try to stay off all the social media as much as possible.”

Walsh revealed Manly’s support staff and senior players have also played a key role in helping him handle the outside noise that comes with being labelled one of the club’s brightest young talents.

“Everyone’s really good here at the club helping me with things like that,” he said.

“Got some mind coaches.”

The 19-year-old’s opportunity has come at the perfect time.

After a difficult start to the season under Anthony Seibold, Manly’s campaign has been reignited under interim coach Kieran Foran, with the Sea Eagles rediscovering their identity over the past month.

Walsh has also benefited from learning alongside some of the game’s most experienced halves, spending time around Daly Cherry-Evans last season before working closely with Jamal Fogarty, Luke Brooks and now interim coach Kieran Foran.

“We have the best halves, DCE last year which was unreal, Jamal and Brooksie,” Walsh said.

“Now we’re getting Foz and Noddy, got so many halves in the system just helping me build my game.”

Whether he comes off the interchange bench at NRL level or returns to NSW Cup, Walsh is happy to continue building valuable reps in rugby league after switching codes from union.

“At the moment I’m just enjoying coming to league and getting used to the code. So my focus is on playing good footy,” he said.

“Second year helps a lot, definitely getting more reps and feel a lot more confident, getting more used to it.

“It means if I go back to Cup and keep getting more reps there, it’s still my second year back in league.

“It’s getting as many reps as I can.”