State of Origin star Reece Walsh breaks down in tears as he reveals why his friendship with teammate Pat Carrigan goes far beyond footy
- Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan share a deep bond
- Both will be key figures for the Queensland in Origin series
- Maroons want to win a shield for the third year in a row
An emotional Reece Walsh has revealed he shares a very close bond with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Origin teammate Pat Carrigan thanks to the forward’s incredible relationship with his daughter Leila.
Walsh, 21, and Carrigan, 26, will both be key figures for the Maroons in the June 5 series opener against the Blues in Sydney – and the exciting full-back paid tribute to the hard-working lock, especially for the role he plays in the life of his daughter .
‘He [Carrigan] is huge for me,” Walsh shared News Corp.
‘Not only with what he does on the field, but also with what he does off the field with my little one [daughter Leila].
“Every time my little one sees him, she lights up and calls him ‘Uncle Patty.’
Reece Walsh (right) has revealed his bond with Broncos and Queensland Origin teammate Pat Carrigan (left) goes far beyond rugby league
The exciting full-back paid tribute to the role Pat Carrigan plays in his daughter’s life (Walsh is pictured with Leila)
Walsh’s daughter Leila often calls the Broncos forward ‘Uncle Patty’ and lights up when she sees him in person (both are pictured)
The Maroons will be looking to win the Origin Series for a third consecutive year in 2024, with Walsh and his great friend Carrigan expected to form a crucial part of the Queensland squad
Leila Walsh took center stage last Sunday as she watched her famous dad play for the Brisbane Broncos – and her dad couldn’t stop smiling when he saw her on the big screen
Walsh regularly posts photos of his daughter on social media and she is often on site to support him
“That’s just part of Patty’s nature. Our friendship is more than just a rugby league match.’
Walsh also has a close relationship with Billy Slater and believes he can take his game to a new level under the Queensland coach.
‘Being elected and being called [for Origin] from Billy was pretty special,” Walsh said.
“For me it’s great to be with the best full-back who has ever played our game.
‘It’s amazing to have the opportunity to be coached and guided by him in training. “It’s a unique opportunity, so I’m taking it all.”
And big news for Broncos fans was Walsh confirming he has no desire to leave Red Hill at the end of the season.
He will officially become a free agent on November 1, but ‘100 per cent’ wants to be a Brisbane player for the rest of his NRL career.
“I love the club, I followed them as a kid and stuff [contract] It will be resolved when it is resolved,” he said.
‘I love the people involved in the club and what they stand for. She [Broncos] have great values.”