~Wild Child~
27-02-07, 07:39 AM
Walker strolls into Titans deal
By Karl deKroo
February 27, 2007
FORMER State of Origin bad boy Chris Walker is just days away from signing a one-year, incentive-based contract with Gold Coast Titans.
The reformed flyer has been so impressive in the Titans' first two trial outings he has not only earned a contract, he is also set to leapfrog several high-profile teammates to seal a starting spot for Friday night's round one dress rehearsal against Penrith at Carrara Oval.
In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Walker, who landed three goals from as many attempts in the Titans' historic first victory against Parramatta in Lismore, could also emerge as coach John Cartwright's first-choice kicker in the fledgling club's inaugural season.
"We believe Chris has done enough to show us he deserves this chance," Titans chief executive Michael Searle said last night.
"He's done nothing wrong the whole time he's been training with us and his trial form has been excellent.
"He has been a revelation to be honest, and once we get through the weekend it will be a mere formality to get the paperwork done. It is safe to say Chris will be a Titan in 2007."
After starting his career in Brisbane and following stints with South Sydney and Sydney Roosters, Walker's career looked finished when he walked out on Melbourne midway through last season, citing personal problems.
But since returning home to Queensland, Walker, 27 today, has thrived.
He is back living with his family, has a new love interest and has placed himself on a booze ban.
When contacted last night, Walker declined to comment, saying he wished to purely focus on rebuilding his career.
Cartwright said the electric speedster, who scored the Titans' first try and first goal in the club's opening trial against Melbourne at Coffs Harbour, was ready to finally make good on the potential which saw him play six Origin games for Queensland in 2001-2002.
"He is looking after himself and he is behaving like a professional footballer," Cartwright said.
"He probably wishes he had done it 10 years ago, but it's not too late for him."
Searle said if Walker performed as expected, the Titans were likely to table an upgraded long-term deal mid-year.
The Titans confirmed they are still interested in rugby union star Lote Tuqiri, but will not break the bank to sign the high-profile Wallaby.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21293058-23214,00.html
http://network.news.com.au/images/h14_thecouriermail.gif (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/?from=ni_story%22)
By Karl deKroo
February 27, 2007
FORMER State of Origin bad boy Chris Walker is just days away from signing a one-year, incentive-based contract with Gold Coast Titans.
The reformed flyer has been so impressive in the Titans' first two trial outings he has not only earned a contract, he is also set to leapfrog several high-profile teammates to seal a starting spot for Friday night's round one dress rehearsal against Penrith at Carrara Oval.
In a stunning reversal of fortunes, Walker, who landed three goals from as many attempts in the Titans' historic first victory against Parramatta in Lismore, could also emerge as coach John Cartwright's first-choice kicker in the fledgling club's inaugural season.
"We believe Chris has done enough to show us he deserves this chance," Titans chief executive Michael Searle said last night.
"He's done nothing wrong the whole time he's been training with us and his trial form has been excellent.
"He has been a revelation to be honest, and once we get through the weekend it will be a mere formality to get the paperwork done. It is safe to say Chris will be a Titan in 2007."
After starting his career in Brisbane and following stints with South Sydney and Sydney Roosters, Walker's career looked finished when he walked out on Melbourne midway through last season, citing personal problems.
But since returning home to Queensland, Walker, 27 today, has thrived.
He is back living with his family, has a new love interest and has placed himself on a booze ban.
When contacted last night, Walker declined to comment, saying he wished to purely focus on rebuilding his career.
Cartwright said the electric speedster, who scored the Titans' first try and first goal in the club's opening trial against Melbourne at Coffs Harbour, was ready to finally make good on the potential which saw him play six Origin games for Queensland in 2001-2002.
"He is looking after himself and he is behaving like a professional footballer," Cartwright said.
"He probably wishes he had done it 10 years ago, but it's not too late for him."
Searle said if Walker performed as expected, the Titans were likely to table an upgraded long-term deal mid-year.
The Titans confirmed they are still interested in rugby union star Lote Tuqiri, but will not break the bank to sign the high-profile Wallaby.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21293058-23214,00.html
http://network.news.com.au/images/h14_thecouriermail.gif (http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/?from=ni_story%22)