Chris Walker's NRL future 'not bleak' - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Chris Walker's NRL future 'not bleak'

By Laine Clark 17/03/2008 07:38:03 PM Comments (0)

The brother of injured Gold Coast Titans flyer Chris Walker believes the former Queensland Origin match-winner has up to seven years of first grade football left in him.

Chris Walker's 2008 NRL season ended before it could begin after again snapping his Achilles tendon two days before Monday's expected return to the Titans' top squad.

It was a massive blow for the 28-year-old, whose Titans contract expires at the end of the season.

There were even fears the injury had ended Walker's nine-year career.

But his brother and former NRL player Ben Walker scoffed at the speculation, saying the Titans winger had at least six more seasons in him.

"He could pull up when he is 34, 35 if there aren't any more injuries," he told AAP.

"He's obviously still very fast and has good size.

"And he's got a good recovery rate on most injuries. He's only 28 so time is on his side.

"He's probably got six, seven years left in him."

Ben Walker said his brother's life away from football would help him get back on the field sooner rather than later.

Chris Walker's partner recently gave birth to their first child, a daughter named Harper.

"He's very happy outside of footy. Hopefully it will help a lot (in his recovery)," he said.

Walker received a one-year contract extension from the Titans despite a controversial start to their inaugural 2007 season.

After redeeming himself following an off-field incident, Walker was restricted to just five NRL games due to a broken hand and a hamstring injury.

Then Walker ruptured his Achilles tendon on the opening day of the Titans' pre-season campaign on November 5.

Titans coach John Cartwright was still shaking his head over the latest injury that occurred during a routine running drill on Saturday.

"He turned and put some weight on it and down he went," he said.

"It's a big loss to us, but more so for him.

"He did a lot of hard work to get back where he was, so to see the season go like that for him is very disappointing.

"He would have been back in the full time squad today."

At least Cartwright has options on the wing.

Jordan Atkins became the first player in 66 years to score four tries on debut in the Gold Coast's 36-18 season-opening win over North Queensland last Friday.

And there's former Cowboys speedster Brenton Bowen and boom teenager Shannon Walker also up Cartwright's sleeve.

The Titans tackle St George Illawarra next Monday night at Wollongong.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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