Walkers Return

[Sentimentinel]

What are the thoughts on his first game back and for next week? Him passing the hia (our players never seem to) made me happy seeing there's only next week potentially.

I didn't expect fireworks having been out of grade for so long. I thought we looked a little different compared to having hutch the last few weeks compounded by no teddy and manu's limited minutes covering another position.

Radley kicking at the end of an early set and Wong later raised an eyebrow. Then he pinballs through for an excellent solo try.


Really wish he could kick the ball further. Although which leg is the bung one atm?

Keary took more control as the game went on, I thought Sam was good in defense, scrap and some nice runs.

[Steggles]

What are the thoughts on his first game back and for next week? Him passing the hia (our players never seem to) made me happy seeing there's only next week potentially.

I didn't expect fireworks having been out of grade for so long. I thought we looked a little different compared to having hutch the last few weeks compounded by no teddy and manu's limited minutes covering another position.

Radley kicking at the end of an early set and Wong later raised an eyebrow. Then he pinballs through for an excellent solo try.


Really wish he could kick the ball further. Although which leg is the bung one atm?

Keary took more control as the game went on, I thought Sam was good in defense, scrap and some nice runs.

He did OK for his first game back. His first half was pretty good. It was quite apparent in the 2nd half that captain Keary more often than not called the ball his way, particularly on the last tackle, which gave Walker little opportunity to steer the team or be involved in attacking raids. This may have been the game plan to take the pressure off Walker, but it made our attack more predictable against the wooden spooners. We will need more variety against the top 8 sides.

[rented tracksuit]

Slow start in the first 15 mins or so but a solid first up effort after such a long time out of FG. His try and some of his defence show plenty of potential and he will only build on that effort.

His best friend will be the off season. If he can bulk up a little, work on the longer kicking game, next year should be his to shine.

[Roosters1908]

I think he did as could be reasonably expected. A few good things, a few meh things and becoming quieter as the game went on and fatigue set in. In the post match interview he admitted his lungs were burning at the end, which is also to be expected after four months away from first grade, and probably why Keary took over the kicking for most of the second half.

Overall, he did more good than not, and that splendid solo try was a glimpse of what he can do when fully match fit (and what we’ve been missing).

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

For his first game back after four months I reckon he went better than expected. What excites me the most though is that he is probably a few more seasons away from really hitting he's peak.

[Thirteen]

I just like his unpredictable. Hard to defend against and exciting to watch.

[ism22]

I thought Walker and Cheese had solid running games. Also, Walker's close-range kicks were pretty solid as they forced a lot of repeat sets.

There was a tackle too... who did he get? Forget but a big dude slipped through and Walker brought him down at a pretty crucial moment (I think we were down 8-6 at the time and that particular tackle kept us in the game).

A decent return though the team was pretty sloppy.

[Thirteen]

I thought Walker and Cheese had solid running games. Also, Walker's close-range kicks were pretty solid as they forced a lot of repeat sets.

There was a tackle too... who did he get? Forget but a big dude slipped through and Walker brought him down at a pretty crucial moment (I think we were down 8-6 at the time and that particular tackle kept us in the game).

A decent return though the team was pretty sloppy.

Yes Smith was really good last night.

[Inflictor]

A bit rusty but that was to be expected but brought a tear to the eye seeing him run on when a few expected his next game was going to be in Dolphin colours. I bet you feel stupid now.

Probably a 6.34/10 if I am being fair.

A great solo try and great to see the team celebrate with him.

It was also good to see JWH wait for him in the tunnel whilst Sammy was being interviewed at half time then put his arm around. Good job kid.

[Steggles]

A bit rusty but that was to be expected but brought a tear to the eye seeing him run on when a few expected his next game was going to be in Dolphin colours. I bet you feel stupid now.

Probably a 6.34/10 if I am being fair.

A great solo try and great to see the team celebrate with him.

It was also good to see JWH wait for him in the tunnel whilst Sammy was being interviewed at half time then put his arm around. Good job kid.

That was the highlight of the game for me.

[nayfo]

Robbo spoke glowingly of Walkers return during the press conference

[Johnny Brass]

Don't understand the knock on Walkers game last night, he brought a bit of unpredictability and great to see him and Keary playing both sides and linking up. Keary is really digging into the line at pace and seems to have got his confidence back.

[eddie]

He should never have been dropped in the first place...................he's the only real first grade halfback we have

[Ray Stehr]

Walker was great, he should never have been dropped. Another phuk up by the guru.

[ism22]

Walker was great, he should never have been dropped. Another phuk up by the guru.

Pre-game Robbo provided some insights into the situation. It sounded to me like he was dropped so that he could take a step back from playing and gain some maturity. He then got injured, which Robbo didn't see as being a bad thing as it enabled him to do more watching/maturing.

I dunno the situation but at work I know there's a lot of young managers who lack 'wisdom' and the skill to 'stabilise' a team. Dunno how to put it but many have their career progression expedited because they are little race horses who are always competing / playing the game (and nobody can deny that). However, they don't understand the daily grind of the work or the value of having people around them who might not be race horses (for all sorts of reasons) but have a lot more patience and wisdom that everybody relies on during times of struggle / uncertainty.

As we saw with Hurcho... having a dude who's been a young race horse, been humbled, done his time in England and then fought his way back into the game can offer an element of stability that young prodigies often struggle with when things don't go their way. Hutcho's trademark skill (IMO - though he's been quite brilliant in recent weeks) is to take the pressure off everybody and stabilise the ship. Whether it be through strategic kicks or sharing the ball around a bit more to gel with people's energy levels... he's a major stabilising factor. Whereas Walker's an 80 minute pocket rocket, who may have lacked this low, grinding gear that you put the car into when you're struggling to climb a steep hill.

Not saying Walker needs to be less creative and unpredictable - these super traits are why he's probably gonna play Origin one day and go further than Drew. However IMO Hutcho has a few more gears, which Walker's (hopefully) developing. Arguably he demonstrated this ability against the Tigpies as things didn't go our way during the first half. Walker then had to switch between providing a heap of creative spark to get us that first try (which was crucial - a lesser player wouldn't have bagged it) to stabilising the ship during the business end of the game.

That's my guess at least! Walker's a young manager who FORTUNATELY Robbo had the cojones to call out as having amazing skills, but lacking the maturity to stabilise a team. If he's gained that skill then IMO he's done much better than 99% of young managers out there (who'll probably never develop the said skill).