Rising NRL star Reece Walsh breaks silence on drug scandal

New Zealand Warriors rising star Reece Walsh has broken his silence after his cocaine scandal at the end of 2021.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Walsh’s extreme rise to the top prompted random drug offers, excessive drinking and partying.

The Warriors rookie, who is also a father, has been teetotal since his arrest back in September, but wants to tell his story to youngsters fighting for their futures in the sport.

“It was massive, I learnt a big lesson about not thinking you’re better than everyone and on top of the world,” Walsh said.

“I got complacent and arrogant. It’s been a huge learning curve. I’m glad I learnt it at this age.

“Even though it was disappointing and I was ashamed of what I did, I’m happy it’s happened now and not five or 10 years down the track. I could have still been doing the same stuff and having bad habits.

“It’s something I can learn from and also tell my story to young kids coming through when I’m a bit older and more experienced.”

Walsh’s rise was meteoric, having made the transfer from the Brisbane Broncos – where he wasn’t deemed good enough – to the New Zealand Warriors.

After just seven games with the Warriors, Walsh found himself called up to play State of Origin, though injury forced him out of the reckoning.