MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Reece Walsh’s unpredictable personality is exactly what the NRL needs

I went against the tide last year and defended Reece Walsh and his flamboyant ways when others were calling for his head.

It probably surprised a few people to hear an old front-rower like me was okay with a player wearing nail polish and manscaping while lairing it up on the field.

I was more than okay about it – and still am - despite calls from others for the Brisbane superstar to pull his head in and toe a more conservative line.

Last week Walsh made headlines for drinking water from a toilet he’d installed in his newly refurbished home.

Given how much money he’s on, I reckon there’s a good chance it was mineral water and not your normal tap variety!

Anyway, at first look I thought “WTF” until I realised he was just taking the piss – excuse the pun – and having some fun on social media.

The pile on from some was unbelievable.

Get a life!

This kid is box office.

Walsh talks the talk and walks the walk.

His brilliance on the field is matched by his ability to draw attention to the game long after the stadium lights are switched off.

Kids love him, women adore him, and young blokes would kill to be like him.

I like how the NFL celebrates and promotes its personalities and characters.

Same in the NBA.

I’m not saying we have to go down the exact same road as the Americans, but they know how to market sport like no other.

They don’t go out of their way to supress or kill off the extroverts.

Walsh is the closest thing we’ve got to a rock n roll footballer and I can’t wait to see what he does next – on and off the field.

Sit back and enjoy it.