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5 months ago
23
An emotional Reece Walsh has revealed he shares a very close bond with Brisbane Broncos and Queensland Origin teammate Pat Carrigan thanks to the forwards' incredible relationship with his daughter Leila.
Walsh, 21 and Carrigan, 26, will both be key figures for the Maroons in the series opener come June 5 against the Blues in Sydney - and the electrifying fullback paid tribute to the hardworking lock, especially for the role he plays in his daughter's life.
'He [Carrigan] is massive for me,' Walsh told News Corp.
'Not just with what he does on the field, but what he does off the field too with my little one [daughter Leila].
'Every time my little one sees him she lights up and calls him "Uncle Patty".
Reece Walsh (right) has revealed his bond with Broncos and Queensland Origin teammate Pat Carrigan (left) goes far beyond rugby league
The electrifying fullback paid tribute to the role Pat Carrigan plays in his daughter's life (Walsh is pictured with Leila)
Walsh's daughter Leila often refers to the Broncos forward as 'Uncle Patty' and lights up when she sees him in person (both are pictured)
The Maroons are looking to win the Origin series for third successive year in 2024 - with Walsh and his great mate Carrigan expected to be a crucial part of Queensland's side
Leila Walsh was front and centre as she watched her famous dad play for the Brisbane Broncos last Sunday - and her dad couldn't stop smiling when he saw her on the big screen
Walsh regularly posts images of his daughter to social media and she is often at the ground to support him
'That is just a part of Patty's nature. Our friendship is more than just a rugby league one.'
Walsh is also close with Billy Slater and believes he can take his game to a new level under the Queensland coach.
'Getting picked and getting the call [for Origin] from Billy was pretty special,' Walsh said.
'For me, it's awesome to be around the best fullback to ever play our game.
'To get the opportunity to be coached and mentored by him at training, it's crazy. 'It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I'm soaking it all up.'
And in huge news for Broncos fans, Walsh confirmed he has no desire to leave Red Hill at the end of the season.
He officially becomes a free agent on November 1, but '100 per cent' wants to be a Brisbane player for the remainder of his NRL career.
'I love the club, I followed them as a kid and all that stuff [contract] will get sorted out when it gets sorted out,' he said.
'I love the people involved in the club and what they stand for. They [Broncos] have amazing values.'
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