Walsh scores first Kangaroos hat-trick as coach reins in celebration
Kevin Walters told Reece Walsh to curb his celebrations after a backflip during Australia's Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Samoa.
Reece Walsh recorded his first hat-trick for the Kangaroos against Samoa in their Rugby League World Cup semi-final, but coach Kevin Walters intervened over the fullback’s backflip celebration.
Walsh performed the backflip after scoring near the end of the opening half. His celebrations continued before he clipped a security guard’s chair, briefly prompting concern about an injury. He only needed to replace his boot.
At half-time, Walters said he had spoken to Walsh and there would be no more backflips. The coach praised his performance but wanted him to leave the celebration there.
After the interval, Walsh dropped a bomb and Stephen Crichton capitalised to score Samoa’s opening try. Walsh responded minutes later, assessing the defensive numbers and turning past Crichton for his second. He completed the hat-trick in the 65th minute.
Walsh accepted the applause without another backflip after his second try. Speaking after the match, he acknowledged getting into trouble at half-time and explained that children who had visited the team’s hotel throughout the week had repeatedly asked him to perform one.
