Clayton Faulalo is set to take the No.6 position, with doubts surrounding Walsh's return for the rest of the season. Some experts believe that stepping away from the NRL after just ten games could help the young playmaker reset, preparing him for the 2027 season with a full off-season behind him.
Walsh is not just new to the NRL; he is still fairly new to the sport altogether. He spent his early years playing rugby union and is currently adapting to league as he goes along.
Coach Kieran Foran mentioned earlier this year, "There's obviously been a lot of noise from the outside about Joey Walsh, but what people have got to understand is that Joey is 19 and played 21 games of league. He's come through as a rugby union kid, extremely talented and gifted, and he's still very early on in his rugby league journey. Everyone has got to be a bit patient. We've got a plan for Joey and he's comfortable with the plan. It's the outside noise - people are trying to beat up Joey."
Since stepping in for the injured Luke Brooks in the starting lineup, Walsh has shown flashes of both brilliance and struggle. Lyons, who faced challenges early in his career before becoming one of the greats, thinks a break would help Walsh.
"Joey probably needs to take on the game a bit more, but you also don't want to overplay your hand. It's a balancing act. The skills are there, but he probably needs a re-boot, and this time off might benefit him in the long run."
Walsh's entry into the starting squad has coincided with a significant downturn in form, as the Sea Eagles have lost six consecutive matches, highlighting how crucial Brooks has been. They still have a slim chance of making the finals, but must secure victories in their last three games and rely on favorable outcomes elsewhere.