‘That’s culture’: Walsh lashes fans who death rode Roos
Reece Walsh, the star of Australia’s successful World Cup campaign, has defined why the team’s culture is something to be proud of.
Reece Walsh has taken aim at Australia “supporters” who wanted the team to lose the World Cup final while launching an impassioned defence of the Kangaroos team culture.
The 24-year-old starred in the 32-12 final win over New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. In the dressing sheds former skipper Darren Lockyer presented him with the Harry Sunderland Medal, judged by Australia selectors and given to the team’s best player of the tournament.
He was also presented with the Kangaroos players’ player award for the World Cup by current No.6 Cameron Munster, who won it during last year’s Ashes tour.
Walsh, who takes a keen interest in social media, has been irked by those who downplay Australia’s “culture” as compared to other nations at the World Cup.
“I can see the culture and I can feel it,” he said.
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“I have seen it multiple times on social media, people disrespecting us and saying, ‘I hope Australia loses just to make the game better’. No. If you are an Aussie you need to support and be proud of that.
“You would never see … a Tongan fan saying, ‘I hope Tonga loses’. Social media is a big thing and I was a little bit disappointed in seeing some people come out in Australia and saying they didn’t want to see us win.
“That was why I got so emotional (during the national anthem), seeing my family and knowing how much they care and how much Aussies care.
“I think that is an area we can get a lot better at … getting behind each other.”
Walsh said there are those outside the team’s four walls that underplay how much the players care about their country and the badge they wear. He highlighted team captain Isaah Yeo as a great example.
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“Isaah Yeo has had a torn pec and he has played five weeks of extra football for this badge, for this team, for us boys, for this country. That’s culture,” Walsh said.
“We love this country. We love winning. Culture is not just about cheering. It is about winning, being connected and turning up for your mate.”
Walsh made the valid point that the Australian team has players of other heritages, himself and prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui included, but they still unite for the Kangaroos
“Tino is of Samoan heritage and I know he is so proud of that. He sat us down two weeks and … said how much he loves the jersey and wants to go out here and do Australia proud and us proud,” Walsh said.
“I am the same. I am a proud Maori too. My mum is from there. I know when I pull on this jersey how much it means to me and how much my family care.
“My old man raised five kids as a single dad. That is what he done for me to be able to represent my old man and our last name and wear (the jersey) with pride.”
Walsh did not have his best year at Brisbane but certainly finished with a bang and justified his Kangaroos selection.
“It has been a tough year for myself and there were probably a lot of people that thought and said I shouldn’t be here,” he said.
“Having the support of the boys and the coaching staff and everyone behind me gave me the strength and confidence to go out there and do my job. The only thing that matters is winning and that is what we did.”
-with AAP
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