The sight of Walsh doubled up and vomiting was one of the most striking images of that opener against New Zealand a month ago, with the Brisbane Broncos number one clearly lacking fitness going into the World Cup after an eight-week lay off.
He acknowledges now that he was desperate to win a race against time and shrug off an ankle injury to contribute to the Kangaroos’ success.
“I kept telling Kev [head coach Kevin Walters] it was sweet but I wasn’t sweet,” he said.
“It was hurting that first game. Coming off eight weeks of rehab, I was unfit, I didn’t touch a ball but the belief Kev had in me, all the boys made my job so easy. To be out here now and win for Australia, I am so proud.”
Walsh’s presence meant that James Tedesco, who captained Australia to victory four years ago, mainly played a back-seat role at this World Cup.
But the 33-year-old Sydney Roosters full-back, who announced his international retirement immediately after the match, was unexpectedly thrown as mark of respect for his standing in the game.
Tedesco added the Clive Churchill medal to a stack of individual accolades in 2026 and has also won three NRL Premiership titles and two World Cups.
“Teddy has been such a great player for a long time. We can only have one full-back but James with his season, it was just reward,” Walters added.
“He didn’t tell me [he was retiring]. The reason James got on was because I respect him as a player and a person and what he has done for our game and as a former Australia captain.
“Without being disrespectful with the scoreline, I thought he needed to get on the field and experience that. I am so glad that happened now because he has been a champion in the jersey and the sport.”
While Australia peaked at just the right time, New Zealand’s levels dipped considerably in their first final since 2013, which meant a gripping and cloesly-fought encounter never materialised.
“Any time you get to a final and don’t get the result it is always going to be a missed opportunity,” said Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones.
“It was our worst performance. We got off to a bad start and could not fight our way out of it. When you make errors and your discipline is poor and give them all that ball, no matter what team you are it is just too hard.”
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