Reece Walsh added a new part to his game in 2025. Nathan Cleary quickly spotted it

Nathan Cleary exposed some defensive flaws in Reece Walsh’s game to orchestrate the greatest comeback in grand final history and lead Penrith to premiership glory in 2023.

But Cleary, having been beaten by Walsh’s Broncos in this year’s preliminary final, a loss that ended Penrith’s four-year title reign, says the Broncos fullback isn’t the same footballer he was two years ago and credits an adjustment in his defensive mindset for his rise to the top of the rugby league world.

Walsh lit up London in a man-of-the-match performance at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, scoring two tries in a dazzling display that gave the Kangaroos a 1-0 series lead heading into this weekend’s second Ashes Test at the new home of English Premier League club Everton.

But like he did in the grand final against the Melbourne Storm this month, Walsh showed his effectiveness on both sides of the ball and saved two tries on an afternoon where he cemented himself as the most exciting rugby league player in the world.

“He’s certainly improved that,” Cleary said of Walsh’s defence.

“I think he’s realised just how important defence is in the game, particularly in big games. He had some big defensive plays today and again in the grand final.

“I think that’s why my respect [from] watching him has gone through the roof. He’s actually valuing defence now, too. We all know his attack and X-factor there. But his defence has gone through the roof, and that’s important.”

In the NRL grand final this month, there were three pivotal defensive moments that defined the match.

Walsh put his body on the line and somehow inflicted enough force in his tackle on the towering Tui Kamikamica to jolt the ball free of his grip with the try line beckoning.

Then, with 13 minutes remaining while his team enjoyed a four-point advantage, Walsh chased down Ryan Papenhuyzen from a scrum to force an uncharacteristic and unnecessary flick pass that resulted in an error.

Then, with the game on the line, the biggest moment came when he threw himself between a runaway Eliesa Katoa and Papenhuyzen to thwart an attacking raid that could’ve led to a Melbourne victory.

He produced a similar play at Wembley on Sunday, shutting down Jake Wardle with brilliant anticipation. His defensive efforts were matched by his attacking ability.

“He’s a freak, mate, honestly,” Cleary said.

“It’s been enjoyable to watch from afar, although sometimes he’s carving me up. So, to have him on my side, there’s not many players in this game who can just break open a game like he does. He did it multiple times. I really enjoyed playing with him [for Australia].”

Walsh knocked off incumbent Dylan Edwards to earn his maiden Kangaroos jumper in the opening game of the series.

Edwards is still part of the touring squad and has been working with Walsh to help elevate his game.

“It’s been cool to see them sort of just share ideas,” Cleary said.

“If you look at Walshy, his attack is what first comes to mind. I think something Dylan is often underrated for is his defence and the way he organises defensive lines. To have them share notes over that sort of stuff is pretty cool to see, and I think it helped Walshy [in game one].”

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