NRL news: Head-turners Reece Walsh, Nicho Hynes and Co attract youngest fan base ever
The NRL is in the midst of its very own version of Beatlemania with footy stars Reece Walsh, Nicho Hynes and Co bringing in record-breaking crowds and a stunning rise in young fans.
Rugby League head-turners Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Nicho Hynes, Kalyn Ponga, Shaun Johnson and Latrell Mitchell are being heralded as the cause for footy’s new fan crush, with the NRL is in the midst of its very own version of Beatlemania.
In a case of unprecedented audience numbers for the NRL, the game’s crop of superstar crowd pleasers are responsible for record attendances, chart-topping merchandise and membership sales, soaring TV ratings and more than 10 million views on social media so far this season.
Critically, the NRL has never had more younger fans watching the game.
NRL clubs have registered a rising surge in members aged between 0-18 that has ballooned within three seasons to a staggering increase of 137 per cent.
A large number of the newly captivated audience are teenage girls.
With model good-looks, dazzling football skills and a willingness to engage with fans before and after matches, footy’s throng of idols are taking the NRL to a whole new market.
The rise in interest of the outstanding NRLW competition is also a major factor in the appeal for young girls.
Hynes’ Cronulla Sharks have witnessed a stunning 157 per cent increase in female members aged 0-18 over the past three seasons with 2023 their greatest growth in female memberships (28.14 per cent).
Over in New Zealand, Johnson‘s finals-bound Warriors have never seen anything like what they’re experiencing right now.
In a previously impossible scenario, the Warriors are rapidly closing the gap on the legendary All Blacks, as the hottest ticket in town.
The Warriors are thriving from their highest merchandise sales in club history and the club’s highest average home crowds (21,279) since their inception 28-years ago.
The club‘s corporate hospitality suites for their three remaining home games sold out months ago.
However, it’s the Broncos who are causing Beatles-style behaviour from young fans.
The emergence of superstar Brisbane fullback Walsh, 21, and teammate Carrigan — who has been dubbed the ‘Queensland Thor’ — has helped catapult the Broncos beyond the extraordinary popularity levels that made the club the biggest sporting franchise in Australia during their halcyon days of the early 1990s.
Of the NRL’s top-10 most-viewed Tik Tok videos — whose followers are 54 per cent female between the ages of 13 to 24 — half of them include Walsh, who has attracted more than 3
million views.
Additionally, any video content on the NRL website that includes Walsh attracts an average of 493,000 views – almost five times the average views of every other video.
Such is the pandemonium that has overcome the Broncos training sessions, club senior management are on the verge of erecting temporary fencing to control crowds of 1000 fans that arrive to catch a glimpse of their stars.
Walsh and his teammates have at times been forced to halt training to appease the hundreds of fans screaming for sport’s new version of the autograph, the selfie.
By contrast, it was only a few years ago that the only onlookers at Broncos training were a mob of angry fans hurling wooden spoons onto the training pitch.
Such is the growth in fan engagement across the code, Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has lauded the state of the game and the appeal of it‘s superstar players like Walsh as “an incredible time for rugby league.’’
Donaghy added that the club were on a mission to provide fans with more than just sport, but entertainment, while also acknowledging the club had a role to play in keeping Walsh‘s feet on the ground.
“I really believe this is an incredible time for the game,” Donaghy said.
“All the metrics we‘re seeing is that we’ve got a really active member and fan base that wants to feel part of something that’s bigger than just themselves.
“And so with that, I love the way our modern player has really leaned on engaging with the fan base.
“We’re very proud of our (Broncos) guys, the way they conduct themselves, and the way they take time to get around and have a selfie or sign something, there’s been times that our players have walked off basically in their undies because they’ve given away all their playing kit on the field.
“I think it’s still quite unique to our game, that connection to our fan base.
“The game has evolved. On and off the field, the players are far more professional, they understand the requirements that come with that level of professionalism and the responsibility they have as role models.
“Let’s not sugar coat it, there’s going to be times when they step out of line and people in our game make mistakes, but they’re also human.
“They’re in a real furnace and so they’re quick to acknowledge when they have made a mistake and a want to make it right.’’
Walsh has proven pivotal to the surge in casual rugby league onlookers becoming rusted-on fans.
He plays footy with rock star swagger, boasts the striking good looks of a boy band member, yet his unquestionable talent is only matched by his ability to test the patience of authority, as proven by his suspension this season for swearing at referee Chris Butler.
“Reece is a young man with a lot of talent but he‘s treated the same as all of our guys,’’ Donaghy said.
“From my experience with Reece, I’ve found him incredibly respectful. A delight to be around.
“He just happens to be a wonderfully naturally talented athlete. You could put him in most sports and he‘d do pretty well.
“I think everyone needs to be conscious that he’s only turned 21.
“He’s got a lot of football and life ahead of him. Our role is to support our players and make sure they’re not just good footballers, but good people.
“He’s got a lot of things that have endeared him to many fans and we’re proud of his continual growth.’’
Hynes, 27, has produced one of the most rapid rises to prominence in the history of the game. The Dally M winner is revered for his honesty and candidness in handling an ever-increasing spotlight.
He offered Walsh advice on how to manage the stunning surge in fans, who follow his every move.
“It’s making sure you put things in place off-field, so that you’re not getting too far ahead of yourself,’’ Hynes said.
“It’s the old cliche’, you just take it one week at a time and stay humble.
“I know he won’t become complacent. I’ve him and I really like him.
“It’s just about not looking too far ahead and trying to avoid the spotlight as much as you can.’’
More Coverage
‘Bring back Mary’: Panthers reveal Cleary retention plan
Panthers boss Brian Fletcher has signalled the club’s intention to re-sign Nathan and Ivan Cleary beyond 2027 - while possibly luring Mary Fowler back to Australia as well.
Ironed out: Penrith star reveals his Kangaroos shock
Isaah Yeo is set to become the first Panther to captain the Kangaroos, MATT ENCARNACION reveals how the unflappable skipper learned the honour had been bestowed.