LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Reece Walsh has electrified the revival of the Ashes rugby league series after a 22-year hiatus, delivering an impressive two-try performance as the Kangaroos triumphed over England with a 26-6 victory in the first Test at Wembley.
His explosive running and two crucial try-saving interventions lit up England's national stadium in London on Saturday. "He's one of the best we've seen," noted his teammate Nathan Cleary.
"It's been a pretty surreal couple of weeks," said Walsh, who dazzled with a superb first try in the 22nd minute, setting the stage for Kevin Walters' world champions to dominate the match, particularly in the second half, where they scored four tries.
In addition, Angus Crichton contributed with a double, while Walsh sealed his performance with a second try in the 72nd minute. Cleary successfully converted all five attempts.
When asked about the significance of his two tries versus his try-saving efforts-one where he halted a two-on-one English attack and another where he sprinted back just in time to secure a try-bound kick-Walsh remarked, "Yeah, probably the two I stopped - it went a long way to us winning."
After a lengthy wait to witness the revival of this historic sporting rivalry, the Kangaroos' continued dominance suggests they are heavy favorites to secure a clean sweep in the next matches in Liverpool and Leeds, aiming for their 14th consecutive series win.
The match attracted an Ashes-record crowd in England, even with the Kangaroos facing a setback as skipper Isaah Yeo sustained a head injury in just the eighth minute, sidelining him for the upcoming Liverpool Test.