NZ Warriors sensation Reece Walsh has been revealed as NRL Rookie of the Year, edging out Sydney Roosters newcomer Sam Walker.
The two youngsters were finalists for the Rugby League Players' Association award, but Walsh has been declared winner on Channel 9's Sunday Footy Show.
"It's pretty crazy and still surreal to receive this award," Walsh says. "There’s a lot of great rookies to come through this year, so I'm pretty humbled to receive it."
Walsh, 19, signed a three-year contract with the Warriors in March and was eventually released early by Brisbane Broncos to join his new club, where he was promoted straight into the starting line-up.
Initially, Walsh was regarded as a long-term replacement for captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, who had announced his departure to take up a rugby contract with NZ Rugby and the Blues.
But within a few games, Walsh had replaced his skipper at fullback, with Tuivasa-Sheck moving to the wing, before departing early to return to Auckland.
His form for the Warriors earned a call-up to the Queensland State of Origin side, but injury cost him a start in Game Two of the series.
"[The NRL] was everything and more coming up into first grade," Walsh told The Sunday Footy Show. "It was early, I didn't think I was going to get my crack this year.
"I was lucky enough to get that... I'm still pinching myself."
Half Walker got his chance for the injury-riddled Roosters, helping them to the playoffs, where their season finally ended with a 42-6 mauling from Manly Sea Eagles on Friday.
"I think I voted for one of my good mates, Sammy Walks, so it's pretty special to get this award," says Walsh. "I'm pretty shocked to be honest, Sammy's been playing some outstanding footy."
Walsh finished the season with nine tries from 16 appearances and slotted 21 goals, after taking over kicking duties late in the schedule.
But he will also miss the opening game of the 2022 season through suspension, after his part in a melee near the end of the Warriors' 44-0 capitulation to Gold Coast Titans last month.
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