Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh has credited rival No.1 James Tedesco for helping him prepare for his World Cup starting debut, and confirmed he will pay "top dollar" to see any specialist who can stop him vomiting during matches.
Walsh vomited again after scoring a breathtaking try that helped seal Australia's 24-22 win over New Zealand in their World Cup opener at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night, and said he was prepared to spend whatever it took to solve the mystery issue.
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters took a punt on starting Walsh at fullback ahead of Tedesco, who had clinched the Clive Churchill Medal in the Roosters' premiership win only a week earlier. Walters confirmed after the game that Tedesco would return against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium next Sunday, saying he wanted to make sure the veteran was rested after a busy NRL finals campaign.
Walsh said Tedesco's reaction to missing selection was "massive" for him. "He was massive, and when he found out [I was starting], he congratulated me," the Bronco said. "The first thing he said to me was, 'whatever you need to prepare for the week, or [whatever] I can help you with, I will'."
"The way he handled it, for myself, being so young, to see an ultra competitor like that ... if I can take anything away from the way he handled it, he was massive for me," Walsh said.
"Every session he was there giving me tips. We bounced back and forth about what I can work on at training, and he was there answering questions. He kept grabbing me and asking, 'do you need anything?' I can't wait to see him get his opportunity. We all know Teddy, he will take it [his opportunity]."