DIEHARD
06-06-07, 03:24 PM
Walker confident of NRL return
Chris Walker believes he has conquered his demons and will make a comeback to the NRL this year. The Gold Coast star is close to completing an eight-week rehabilitation program as part of his fight against anxiety disorder and alcohol problems.
Walker was banished to the Queensland Cup after coming perilously close to being sacked from Titans over an alcohol-related incident at a Surfers Paradise nightclub on April 7.
Asked whether he was confident of playing in the NRL again this season, Walker said: "Yeah I think I will.
"My form in reserve grade (for Ipswich) has been unreal.
"I just have to keep on doing what I'm doing in reserve grade and more importantly off the field because it's never been about my ability on the field.
"I can play the game and I'm one of the best strike weapons in the comp. It's more off the field stuff that I'm pleased with."
Gold Coast opted to throw Walker a lifeline after discovering his erratic behaviour was due to a psychological disorder which was only recently diagnosed.
The NRL newcomers fined Walker 25 per cent of his contract and imposed strict conditions on the talented winger, including an eight-week suspension from training with Titans and a ban on alcohol and gambling.
Walker said he hadn't touched a drink since the embarrassing incident at Melbas nightclub where he became involved in an altercation with a patron.
"That's largely due to the things I've been doing and the people that I've been seeing," the former Queensland State of Origin rep said.
"Everything's perfect for me. I've been as positive as what I have been.
"I wish I had of done it five years ago to be honest."
Walker credited his partner, Gold Coast hairdresser Courtney Hammond, his family and a personal mentor appointed by Titans managing director Michael Searle for helping him through the darkest stage of his troubled life.
Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au
Chris Walker believes he has conquered his demons and will make a comeback to the NRL this year. The Gold Coast star is close to completing an eight-week rehabilitation program as part of his fight against anxiety disorder and alcohol problems.
Walker was banished to the Queensland Cup after coming perilously close to being sacked from Titans over an alcohol-related incident at a Surfers Paradise nightclub on April 7.
Asked whether he was confident of playing in the NRL again this season, Walker said: "Yeah I think I will.
"My form in reserve grade (for Ipswich) has been unreal.
"I just have to keep on doing what I'm doing in reserve grade and more importantly off the field because it's never been about my ability on the field.
"I can play the game and I'm one of the best strike weapons in the comp. It's more off the field stuff that I'm pleased with."
Gold Coast opted to throw Walker a lifeline after discovering his erratic behaviour was due to a psychological disorder which was only recently diagnosed.
The NRL newcomers fined Walker 25 per cent of his contract and imposed strict conditions on the talented winger, including an eight-week suspension from training with Titans and a ban on alcohol and gambling.
Walker said he hadn't touched a drink since the embarrassing incident at Melbas nightclub where he became involved in an altercation with a patron.
"That's largely due to the things I've been doing and the people that I've been seeing," the former Queensland State of Origin rep said.
"Everything's perfect for me. I've been as positive as what I have been.
"I wish I had of done it five years ago to be honest."
Walker credited his partner, Gold Coast hairdresser Courtney Hammond, his family and a personal mentor appointed by Titans managing director Michael Searle for helping him through the darkest stage of his troubled life.
Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au