'Job to do': Walker just getting started on path to greatness
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Kangaroos rookie Sam Walker has set his sights on IRL Rugby League World Cup glory as he looks to stamp his place among the game’s elite playmakers.
The 24-year-old made his Queensland debut during this year's State of Origin series, led the Roosters to the NRL premiership and has now turned his focus to starring for his country.
It’s been a whirlwind 12 months for a player long viewed as a future star, Walker overcoming a number of serious injuries earlier in his career to deliver on his potential.
Walker shines on debut
Talking at Saturday’s World Cup Fan Fest, Walker acknowledged it all came together better than expected this season but declared he’s not done yet.
“The three goals you have when you’re growing up are to play NRL, play Origin and play for Australia,” Walker told NRL.com. “To be able to tick them off is pretty special and I’m excited to represent my country and my family.
“If someone told me at the start of the year I would be in this position, I would have called him crazy. They’re the goals you dream of and to achieve it this year is very special.
“Once it’s all over I’ll be able to sit back and reflect on some fond memories but right now I’ve got a job to do and that’s to win the World Cup.”
Match: Australia v New Zealand
Round 1 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
New Zealand
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Walker finds himself in a four-way battle for a spot in the halves for Australia’s World Cup opener against the Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
The Queenslander is jostling for position with Maroons halves partner Cameron Munster, North Queensland’s Tom Dearden and Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses.
Just the fact Walker is in the squad is a near miracle given he underwent ankle surgery in late August.
The playmaker made an unexpected return to the field four weeks later in the Roosters preliminary final victory before playing a key role in his side’s grand final triumph.
Having played alongside a number of his Kangaroos teammates during the Origin campaign, Walker will draw on that experience throughout the next month.
Sam Walker with a finals masterclass!
“I learned a lot from that Queensland team,” Walker said. “I got that representative experience and saw what it’s all about.
“I learnt how to prepare for those games, they’re slightly different to regular season NRL games. I’ll use that experience over the next couple of weeks.”
Walker has benefited this season from playing behind a pack led by star prop Naufahu Whyte, however the pair will line up on opposing sides on Thursday night.
The Kiwis boast one of the best forward packs in international rugby league, Whyte joined up front by James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Joe Tapine and Erin Clark.
Whyte just keeps getting better
Fisher-Harris, Whyte and Clark were recently named in the Dally M Team of the Year and Walker is bracing for a physical challenge at Allianz Stadium.
“Naufahu’s been unbelievable,” Walker said. “He’s a leader of our forward pack at the Roosters and I’m hoping he avoids me and runs more towards the middles.
“I know how proud he is of his culture and heritage. He’ll be going in there and giving it his all, just like I will be. It will be a really good battle.”
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