Two 'Clives', one jersey: Reece ready for Teddy challenge

For six weeks, Reece Walsh has been working towards one goal - getting his body right in time to retain his Kangaroos’ No.1 jersey.

The 24-year-old never ruled himself out of the World Cup after suffering a syndesmosis injury in Round 24, instead throwing himself into his rehabilitation with the hope of convincing Kevin Walters he was ready to go.

The Broncos' failure to reach the finals handed Walsh valuable time to recover during September, completing solo rehab sessions at Red Hill as he raced the clock to be fit for Australia.

“The club at Bronx we have got such good staff who manage injuries really well,” Walsh said. 

“I pride myself in my preparation and the amount of work I put in through the week.

“Early days I said to Kev, ‘I’m going to do everything I can to put myself in a position to get picked'.

“He gave me that green light that if I was to get my body back right and in a good enough position to wear that jersey, he would consider me.”

Now back in camp, Walsh faces a familiar challenge for the No.1 jersey, with premiership-winning Rooster James Tedesco also back in the Kangaroos squad after missing last year's Ashes tour to attend his brother's wedding.

A year after taking out the Clive Churchill Medal himself with a stunning grand final display, Walsh knows he has his work cut out taking on this year's recipient who ran for a staggering 388 metres in the Roosters' win over Newcastle.

“It’s hard to compete with Clive,” said Walsh.

“It will be hard for myself to push for a position, but I am confident in my ability and I can’t wait to be a sponge and learn from him.

“I wish I could be half the player that Teddy is.

“I was sitting there in school and watching him win premierships. It’s amazing, his longevity and how consistent he has been for so many years."

The battle is a familiar one for Walsh, who was competing with Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards for the No.1 jersey in England last year.

Walsh got the nod for the three Ashes Tests and delivered in spades as Australia produced a 3-0 series sweep.

“Being on the Ashes tour with Dyl, to be able to rub shoulders with him and see how he prepared, and now to see how Teddy prepares, as a 24-year-old, I’m pretty stoked," Walsh said.

While Tedesco’s experience and finals form will be difficult to overlook, Walsh offers a point of difference to the world champions.

But Walsh is just happy to have an opportunity to be in camp with the Roosters skipper. 

“Teddy is one of the greats to do it in our game, and I’m lucky enough to rub shoulders with him," Walsh said.

The Broncos fullback has already shown he can slot into multiple positions at representative level, after being used as a utility option during this year’s State of Origin series.

Walsh missed selection for Game One before being brought into Billy Slater’s extended squad for Game 2 and 3, where he prepared across the backline and halves before being injected into the decider.

“In Origin camp I trained everywhere, from the wing, centres to the halves,” Walsh said.

“I grew up playing in the halves as a kid. It wasn’t until I was about 17 that I got switched.

“Playing in the halves isn’t anything new to me. Obviously there are some bigger boys out there, but wherever Kevie might need me, I’ll put my hand up to take that position.

“We have some awesome halves in here, but you never know what happens.”