Footy star Reece Walsh’s masculinity is attacked over tiny detail in photo – but fans defend the Broncos ace
- Reece Walsh criticized painting his nails
- Footy fans defended the Broncos full-back
- Walsh bonds with daughter by painting nails
NRL star Reece Walsh has had his masculinity questioned after posting a photo of himself wearing nail polish.
Walsh, 21, is preparing to make a return for the Broncos against the Dolphins on Friday night after suffering a fractured eye socket against the Panthers last month.
Walsh’s return would be a huge boost for Brisbane, who have already lost halfback Adam Reynolds for the derby clash.
Walsh looked fit in training on Monday. He wore a pink headdress and had black painted fingernails, as he often does.
Other young players in the NRL are also known to be painting their nails, including Brisbane teammate Ezra Mam.
Reece Walsh was criticized for sharing a photo of himself having lunch with teammate Ezra Mam showing his fingernails painted (pictured)
Walsh was also photographed at practice on Monday afternoon with his nails painted
Walsh also shared a photo of himself on social media with mom, with his fingernails visibly painted in the foreground.
The photo ended up on a footy forum online, with the caption: ‘Reece Walsh, famous for his painted fingernails… only in QLD’, accompanied by an emoji with his face on the palm of his hand.
However, the comments were heavily supportive of Walsh, who has previously shared photos of himself bonding with his young daughter Leila by painting their nails.
‘Vulnerable masculinity lol. It’s just nail polish,” someone replied.
‘Could this be because he has a young daughter? Play on when your little one wants to get your nails painted,” said another.
Walsh became emotional last year when asked about the role fatherhood and his young daughter Leila have played in his life.
He has previously posted photos of him and Leila painting their nails together.
“She’s been great to me. She calms me down,” he said.
‘Not everything is about football and a job. When I’m in the (Broncos) facility, I’m the foot player.
The footy star has shared photos of herself and daughter Leila painting their nails together
Walsh says his daughter Leila has played a big role in his life as a footballer and as a man
“When I step outside and see my little one and my family, I’m daddy.
“It’s pretty amazing. I’m still so young, but I think if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be in this position. She’s pretty awesome. It makes me emotional.’
The superstar’s career was at a crossroads in 2021 when he was suspended for cocaine possession while playing for the New Zealand Warriors.
He returned to the Broncos last season to be closer to his daughter, who he believes makes him a better man and player.
Walsh even got some tattoos on his arm and leg that were inspired by Leila.
“They represent my young daughter,” he said.
‘I got her name on my arm, I have a clock for the time she was born and the tattoo on my leg is of a lion and a lion cub.
“That means I’m taking care of my daughter, so that’s what it means.
“I love being a father.”