.png)
7 months ago
36
NRL star Reece Walsh has had his masculinity brought into question after he posted a photo showing him wearing nail polish.
Walsh, 21, is gearing up to make a return for the Broncos against the Dolphins on Friday night after suffering a broken eye socket against the Panthers last month.
The return of Walsh would be a huge boost for Brisbane, who have already lost halfback Adam Reynolds for the derby clash.
Walsh looked fit at training on Monday, wearing pink headgear and with his fingernails painted black, as he often does.
Other young players in the NRL are also known to paint their nails, including Brisbane teammate Ezra Mam.
Reece Walsh copped criticism for sharing a photo showing him having lunch with teammate Ezra mam with his fingernails painted (pictured)
Walsh was also pictured at training with his nails painted on Monday afternoon
Walsh also shared a photo of himself on social media with Mam, with his fingernails visibly painted in the foreground.
The photo wound up on a footy forum online, with the caption: 'Reece Walsh of painted fingernails fame … only in QLD' accompanied by a face-palm emoji.
However, the comments heavily supported Walsh, who has previously shared pics of himself bonding with his young daughter Leila by painting their nails.
'Fragile masculinity lol. It's just nail polish brah,' one person replied.
'Could be cause he has young daughter? Play on if your little one wants your nails painted,' said another.
Walsh became emotional last year when he was asked about the role fatherhood and his young daughter Leila have played in his life.
He has previously posted photos of him and Leila painting their nails together.
'She has been awesome for me. She calms me down,' he said.
'Not everything is about footy and a job. When I am in the [Broncos] facility I am the footy player.
The footy star has shared photos of himself and daughter Leila painting their nails together
Walsh says his daughter Leila has played a big role in his life as a footballer and as a man
'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 pretty awesome. I get emotional about it.'
The superstar's career was at a crossroads in 2021 when he was suspended for cocaine possession while playing for the New Zealand Warriors.
He returned to the Broncos last season to be closer to his daughter, who he says makes him a better man and player.
Walsh even got some tattoos on his arm and leg that are inspired by Leila.
'They represent my young daughter,' he said.
'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.'
English (US)