Rhys Walsh: ‘Rugby League’s Justin Bieber’ is tormenting England

Walsh was an individual indicator of the gap in quality between the two sides in London last Saturday, especially in the opening minutes of the second half.

In Australia’s first attack after half-time, Walsh carried the ball 80 meters after England half-half Mickey Lewis had slipped. While England resisted the initial momentum, the ground gained provided a platform for Australia to score the killer’s second try of the match.

Walsh had earlier scored the opening try of the series, completing a sweeping team move with a swan dive to lift the world number one level after an inconsistent opening 20 minutes that had given England false hope.

He added the coup de grâce with his second and fourth attempt for Australia, scoring twice from Angus Crighton to seal the win that brought the hosts to the ground with a sickening strike in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley.

“He’s a champion player, so people want to see that, even if you’re not interested in rugby league. You’ll be attracted to someone like Rhys Walsh,” Flandys said.

Walsh isn’t all flashy shades either. His defensive play was essential in providing a platform for Australia to resist England before they passed.

He’s been compared to a pop star, and he’s certainly prone to some unconventional antics. He often goes to the field with painted nails, decorating them to bond with his four-year-old daughter, Laila.

He went viral on social media last month for a video showing him drinking water from the toilet, joking that it helped his muscles recover after matches.

The toilet was newly installed and has not been used, although his club has yet to be quick to issue a ‘don’t try this at home’ statement.

“I think it comes with the territory,” V’Landys said of Walsh’s off-field activities.

“He’s a guy. And actually, they weren’t that serious. I mean, I think being a plumber is a good job, but he’s like all of us.”

“He will make mistakes in life and you have to learn from them.”