NRL 2023: Broncos superstar Reece Walsh breaks down paying tribute to daughter Leila

Reece Walsh could barely get the words out. His eyes turn misty and red, tears clearly visible as he paid tribute to his two-year daughter Leila for pulling him through his darkest days. LISTEN NOW

Reece Walsh.

Broncos superstar Reece Walsh has broken down as he opened up about the young girl who helped him through the toughest time of his burgeoning NRL career.

Ahead of Saturday night’s preliminary final against the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium, Walsh choked back tears as he paid tribute to his two-year daughter Leila for pulling him through his darkest days.

Walsh’s career was at the crossroads at the end of 2021 when the fullback sensation, then playing for the Warriors, pleaded guilty to cocaine possession, earning a two-match ban and a fine from the NRL.

When he returned to Brisbane this season, the catalyst was his young daughter, with Walsh reluctant to move to New Zealand and be away from Leila, prompting him to request a release from the Warriors.

The Warriors obliged on compassionate grounds and in the lead-up to the finals showdown with his former club, Walsh, who usually speaks at rapid-fire speed, is brought to a grinding halt when asked about fatherhood.

Walsh can barely get the words out. It’s ‘Reece Lightning’ raw and uncut. He apologises as his eyes turn misty and red, tears clearly visible as he reflects on the life transformation inspired by a toddler.

Reece Walsh broke down talking about his daughter on Monday.

“She has been awesome for me. She calms me down,” Walsh said of Leila.

“Three or four days before the (Storm) game I was just stressing and just having her around it brings everything back to reality.

She is pretty awesome. I get emotional about it.”

Fighting back tears, he continued about the unexpected situation of becoming a young father, and its newly-imposed responsibilities.

“Not everything is about footy and a job,” he said.

“When I am in the facility I am the footy player.

“When I step out and see my little one and my family I am dad.

“It is pretty awesome. I am still so young but I feel if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be in this position.

“She is the best girl in the world. She keeps me grounded too.”

Reece Walsh with daughter Leila. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

Brisbane’s star off-season recruit inked a new deal last summer to return to Red Hill, but he also had ink of a different kind in the form of two new tattoos.

As he signed autographs for fans on Monday, inkwork on his arm and leg, inspired by his daughter, was clearly visible.

“I got a couple of tatts in the off-season,” Walsh said earlier this season.

“They represent my young daughter (Leila).

“I got her name on my arm, I got a clock for the time she was born and the tattoo on my leg is one of a lion and a lion cub.

“That represents me looking after my daughter so that’s what it means.

“I love being a dad.

“Every day is a challenge, but she has a new word everyday and I wouldn’t take it back for the world.

“My daughter wasn’t going to make the trip to New Zealand and I just couldn’t handle the thought of being away from her, being in another country.

“I wouldn’t be back at the Broncos right now if it wasn’t for her.”

Leila is a regular sight in Brisbane’s dressing sheds and Walsh said he has learned valuable lessons from his off-field scandal in his maiden year of NRL in 2021.

Reece Walsh with a young fan at Red Hill on Monday. Picture: Josh Woning

The 21-year-old is regularly mobbed by fans and has usurped the likes of Latrell Mitchell and James Tedesco as the NRL’s most bankable star, but says he is coping with the burden of expectation.

Asked about the pressure of adulation, Walsh said: “I want to be the best version of myself on and off the field and I want to be the best footy player I can be.

“If I keep those things in check and stay disciplined and humble...I am lucky to have awesome people around me.

“When I am stepping out of line they pull me in line real quick. I just want to put my best foot forward with everything I do.

“If I can do those things then I will be of value to this team.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Broncos superstar Reece Walsh breaks down paying tribute to daughter Leila