Tamwelg
02-08-07, 07:16 PM
Source: www.leaguehq.com.au
Walker 'deserves another go' at Titans
August 2, 2007 - 6:04PM
A hamstring injury has dealt a big blow to Chris Walker's campaign for a 2008 NRL contract but his senior team-mates want Gold Coast officials to sign him up immediately.
Walker has been ruled out of the Titans' must-win clash with Wests Tigers on Saturday night at Carrara.
He broke down at training on Wednesday and despite intensive physiotherapy, will not be fit to play the Tigers.
Titans officials say Walker will be reassessed before they decide whether he'll make the trip to Auckland for next week's clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
In the lead-up to Gold Coast's match against South Sydney last weekend, Titans managing director Michael Searle said Walker had six matches to prove he deserved another chance with the club after he was nearly sacked in April following an alcohol-related incident at a nightclub.
Walker, who has played just three NRL matches this year, will have even less time to impress coach John Cartwright following his latest setback.
But it seems the controversial former Queensland State of Origin flyer has won back the faith of his team-mates after his rehabilitation for alcohol problems and a lengthy banishment to the state league.
"He's obviously stuffed up in the past but he's done the time now," said Titans halfback Scott Prince, who will return from a collarbone injury against his old club Wests Tigers.
"He has done everything required to get back in the squad and now it's just up to the officials to sort something out.
"From a player's point of view we'd like to have Chris Walker again for the next year or two."
Titans co-captain Luke Bailey said he expected Walker to "slow down" after his partner, hairdresser Courtney Hammond, gives birth to their first child.
"If he needs an excuse not to get on the piss or not go out and be a wild child like he has been, then he's a got a kid," Bailey said.
"I think it'll hit him then that life slows down and it's probably best for his footy."
Bailey said Walker had shown plenty of character in fighting his way back into first-grade, despite the crippling injury toll at the Titans.
"He could've have just said `f*** it' and had a few beers or messed up," Bailey remarked.
"People have said he might have had another chance down the track but I think he thought it was his last chance.
"I spoke to him a couple of times during rehab and he was pretty depressed and pretty unhappy with himself.
"He's certainly held his own the last couple of games.
"I'm all for him getting another contract but that's up to the coaches, not myself."
The loss of Walker is a bitter blow to the Titans, who have lost their past five matches and must win four out of their past five games to secure a finals spot.
Preston Campbell will move to fullback and axed five-eighth Josh Lewis will be given a chance to redeem himself.
Campbell also came out in support of Walker.
"He's one of the best trainers at the club and that's because he's naturally an athlete," Campbell said.
"He's enthusiastic and he's trying hard on the things he has to work on.
"I reckon he does deserve to hang around."
? 2007 AAP
Brought to you by aap
Walker 'deserves another go' at Titans
August 2, 2007 - 6:04PM
A hamstring injury has dealt a big blow to Chris Walker's campaign for a 2008 NRL contract but his senior team-mates want Gold Coast officials to sign him up immediately.
Walker has been ruled out of the Titans' must-win clash with Wests Tigers on Saturday night at Carrara.
He broke down at training on Wednesday and despite intensive physiotherapy, will not be fit to play the Tigers.
Titans officials say Walker will be reassessed before they decide whether he'll make the trip to Auckland for next week's clash with the New Zealand Warriors.
In the lead-up to Gold Coast's match against South Sydney last weekend, Titans managing director Michael Searle said Walker had six matches to prove he deserved another chance with the club after he was nearly sacked in April following an alcohol-related incident at a nightclub.
Walker, who has played just three NRL matches this year, will have even less time to impress coach John Cartwright following his latest setback.
But it seems the controversial former Queensland State of Origin flyer has won back the faith of his team-mates after his rehabilitation for alcohol problems and a lengthy banishment to the state league.
"He's obviously stuffed up in the past but he's done the time now," said Titans halfback Scott Prince, who will return from a collarbone injury against his old club Wests Tigers.
"He has done everything required to get back in the squad and now it's just up to the officials to sort something out.
"From a player's point of view we'd like to have Chris Walker again for the next year or two."
Titans co-captain Luke Bailey said he expected Walker to "slow down" after his partner, hairdresser Courtney Hammond, gives birth to their first child.
"If he needs an excuse not to get on the piss or not go out and be a wild child like he has been, then he's a got a kid," Bailey said.
"I think it'll hit him then that life slows down and it's probably best for his footy."
Bailey said Walker had shown plenty of character in fighting his way back into first-grade, despite the crippling injury toll at the Titans.
"He could've have just said `f*** it' and had a few beers or messed up," Bailey remarked.
"People have said he might have had another chance down the track but I think he thought it was his last chance.
"I spoke to him a couple of times during rehab and he was pretty depressed and pretty unhappy with himself.
"He's certainly held his own the last couple of games.
"I'm all for him getting another contract but that's up to the coaches, not myself."
The loss of Walker is a bitter blow to the Titans, who have lost their past five matches and must win four out of their past five games to secure a finals spot.
Preston Campbell will move to fullback and axed five-eighth Josh Lewis will be given a chance to redeem himself.
Campbell also came out in support of Walker.
"He's one of the best trainers at the club and that's because he's naturally an athlete," Campbell said.
"He's enthusiastic and he's trying hard on the things he has to work on.
"I reckon he does deserve to hang around."
? 2007 AAP
Brought to you by aap