THE New Kid In Town got a taste of Life In The Fast Lane on Friday night.
Google “Joe Walsh” and “Eagles” and you’ll get the ins and outs of a classic rock legend – now aged 77 – and his band of aging hit makers.
But in a decade or so music historians might find themselves perplexed when another Joe Walsh and another Eagles come up in their search results.
The 19-year-old Joe Walsh from St Augustine’s College, Brookvale, received rapturous applause when he went on with 20 to go in Manly’s 27-26 victory over the Warriors at 4 Pines Park.
And given that it was captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ final match in maroon, the other Joe Walsh could probably write a fetching tune about the handing on of a sceptre or baton.
“I’m so happy,” Walsh told Triple M. “I couldn’t be happier to play the last game alongside Chez here.
“He’s been unbelievable. He’s come through throughout the year and weeks off, bye rounds, he’s taken me down the oval and started training with me.
“I couldn’t have learned more from him, I’m really appreciative.
“I think it’s just the experience he has. He can read the game very well, obviously. He’s played and dominated at this level for a long time so it’s just little things moving around the park.
“He’s teaching me tips that come from experience so hopefully it accelerates my learning.”
Coach Anthony Seibold seemed tempted to describe the start of one Manly career coinciding with the end of another in cinematic terms – but stopped himself.
“Yeah, it was great to see him out there and great to see him out there and play 20 minutes with Chez,” Seibold said.
“He’ll remember that for a long time. You think about him, a local kid, his dad spoke about him … Chez was one of his heroes … a good way for him to make his debut.”
Cherry-Evans himself was also cautious but told Fox: “I’m not gonna lie, I hate putting pressure on people 19-years-old and fresh out of school
“But I’ll tell you what I like about Joey Walsh: he’s got great family, a local junior, he works really hard and he’s a humble kid.
“So I really hope the best for him.
“I’m a big Joey Walsh fan but I won’t put any expectations on him. I don’t think it’s fair.”