- Is in London for the Australian Kangaroos’ Ashes tour
Brisbane Broncos superstar Reece Walsh may be in full business mode for the Kangaroos in London, but he is still enjoying some rock star moments – including meeting one of the world’s most famous and controversial rappers.
Walsh is currently in the UK with the travelling Australian team after earning his place in an NRL finals campaign for the ages.
And in the lead-up to Kangaroos’ opening match against England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday [AEDT] he had a brush with fame, posting a chance meeting with rapper Lil Tjay.
Walsh meet the rapper with Broncos and Kangaroos teammate Gehamat Shibasaki, posting an image at iconic London fashion store Burberry.
Lil Tjay, whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, is an American rapper and singer from the Bronx, New York.
He rose to fame with his singles Resume and Brothers which led to a record deal with Columbia Records and the release of his debut album in 2019.
Reece Walsh and Broncos teammate Gehamat Shibasaki met rapper Lil Tjay at Burberry in London
Walsh is expected to debut for Australia against England in their first Ashes Test on Sunday morning AEDT
Lil Tjay is notorious for being shot seven times and surviving, with his music career exploding
His music mixes melodic rap with R&B influences, often focusing on his upbringing and survival.
He was shot seven times during an attempted robbery in New Jersey in June 2022 and survived after undergoing emergency surgery.
The attack left him in critical condition for several days before he made a full recovery.
Police later confirmed that the shooting occurred outside a local business during an apparent robbery attempt targeting his jewellery and car.
Following months of rehabilitation, he returned to performing and publicly thanked doctors and fans for their support.
In January 2023, he was arrested in the Bronx after police discovered a firearm while he was on his way to a music video shoot.
Authorities said the weapon was found during a routine traffic stop involving the vehicle he was travelling in.
He was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and released on bail pending court proceedings.
It has been a rollercoaster for Walsh ever since he led the Broncos to a drought breaking premiership
The party is over for Walsh, who has knuckled down to impress in his Kangaroos debut
Despite the legal setback, he continued to record and perform, describing the past year as one of survival and resilience.
Walsh is currently on a media ban but is the red hot favourite to start at fullback against London this weekend.
It comes after his purple patch of form in the NRL finals that led to a drought-breaking premiership for the Broncos, including epic come-from-behind wins over the Canberra Raiders and Penrith Panthers.
Walsh, Shibasaki, Sydney Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase and South Sydney enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi are all set to make their Australian debuts.
‘It’s going to be huge thrill for all four of them to wear the green and gold for the first time in a Test match at such an iconic stadium,’ Australia head coach Kevin Walters said.
‘I’m excited for them as well as all of our players. Every member of our squad, whether they take the field or not, is about to experience something incredibly special this Saturday at Wembley.
‘As I’ve said from day one of our preparations here in England, we’re on this Ashes journey together because it’s going to take a collective effort from everyone involved.’
