SEA EAGLES HIT BY DEVASTATING WALSH INJURY AHEAD OF 2026 CAMPAIGN
Rising halfback sidelined for two months as pre-season preparations take major hit
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have been dealt a significant blow with emerging halfback Joey Walsh set to miss the first two months of the 2026 NRL season after sustaining an injury in training yesterday.
The 19-year-old, widely tipped as Daly Cherry-Evans’ long-term successor, suffered the setback as the club ramps up preparations for a new era without their legendary former skipper. Head coach Anthony Seibold described the loss as “massive” for the side’s plans heading into the upcoming campaign.
“It’s a huge blow for Joey and for our club,” Seibold said. “He’s been a standout in pre-season and was shaping up to play a critical role in our halves combination this year. We’ll wrap him in support and ensure he has the best possible care to make a full recovery.”
Walsh’s injury comes at a crucial time for the Sea Eagles, who are rebuilding following Cherry-Evans’ departure at the end of 2025. The local junior burst onto the scene last year, making his lauded NRL debut in Round 27 against the New Zealand Warriors – coinciding with Cherry-Evans’ emotional Brookvale Oval farewell.
A product of the Narraweena Hawks and St Augustine’s College, Walsh was a highly sought-after cross-code talent, having captained the Australian U18s Rugby Union side in 2023 before committing to Manly on a three-year deal. His 2025 form in the NSW Cup was exceptional, notching 7 tries and 28 points in 15 appearances, while averaging strong run metres and assist numbers.
Regarded as one of the NRL’s most promising young playmakers, Walsh has spent the past 12 months learning from club greats including Cherry-Evans and Luke Brooks, establishing himself as the cornerstone of Manly’s future halves pairing.
The Sea Eagles have not disclosed the exact nature of the injury but confirmed Walsh will undergo immediate treatment and begin his rehabilitation program this week. With pre-season fixtures set to commence in early February, the club faces a race against time to have him fit for the season opener in March
