Walker to 5/8 our X factor for finals

[EOL now nesting on the GC]

So who has changed their dislikes? Was at 50 now 45? Come on. Own up.

 

[manlyfan76]

I am surprised by the upturn in walkers form.
Praise to Des and the coaching staff.

 

[40 nil]

Our current back line needs to remain in tact for the rest of the year! I feel for Cust & Croker, however their time will come.

At present, I don't think Cust or Croker can be included in our best seven backs. However, it's great to have such depth & they will probably have more first grade opportunities before season's end.

 

[brad]

I like Dylan at 6 , he's running straighter and hits the line hard , passing game is good and feeds the centres . Des turned killer into a pretty fair 6 when we needed him .

 

[Waz13]

Has to be a chance for sure. Des has him straightening the attack unlike under Barrett. Often gets the ball full pace on the advantage line at first receiver and his power running gets the attention of multiple defenders; his short passing and drawing of the man has been sublime off the back of it and all of a sudden we are making good yardage in backline movements not necessarily involving Tommy.Love the fact he turns up up both sides of the ruck as well so it’s not predictable. That’s great coaching from Des.

Defensively he’s way better as nowhere near as much decision making at five eight.
His kicking had been the worry for me as I’was sick and tired of DCE getting teamed on the sixth tackle with no options. It it’s been surprisingly good, especially his bombs which are landing in great spots to pressure the back three.

The best part overall s his powerful directness in attack and the attention it requires from the opposition.

Love his work right now. He is an elite player. And a match winner. We have a few of those now.
Parker needs credit as if he didn’t step up Walker is not a five sight option.

Yep totally agree here. In relation to his kicking, I wonder if he’s staying back at training working on this to be more the complete package? Maybe DCEs working with him. There’s no secret he wanted to play 6 in the past so I wonder if this opportunity under Des he’ll make every post a winner. Who knows he may be our next long term 6 yet.

 

[40 nil]

Of course, our real X factor is Des

I think Walker is a very gifted footballer - has just been a matter of getting his head together & regaining confidence for him to come good. He has all the skills for centre or five eighth & with consistently good performances over a sustained period, the naysayers will gradually drop off

 

[Kevinward777]

So who has changed their dislikes? Was at 50 now 45? Come on. Own up.

I changed from a disagree to a winner... and deservingly so. Walker has been a different player these past two games. Long may it continue.

 

[Shoe1]

Yep totally agree here. In relation to his kicking, I wonder if he’s staying back at training working on this to be more the complete package? Maybe DCEs working with him. There’s no secret he wanted to play 6 in the past so I wonder if this opportunity under Des he’ll make every post a winner. Who knows he may be our next long term 6 yet.

He’s way better than Brad Green

 

[double hoops]

1978 called it. Walks was stinking up everything in defence and Cust was going fine. Hmm A little inside knowledge perhaps;-)

 

[redlineg]

I like Dylan at 6 , he's running straighter and hits the line hard , passing game is good and feeds the centres . Des turned killer into a pretty fair 6 when we needed him .

Couldn't agree more. A running five eight with good passes and a kicking game which is improving. He just missed that field goal attempt which will take some pressure off DCE in future contests, with opposition looking to see where DW is as well.
Always thought Killer was the best centre in the game but made a brilliant 5/8 in 08

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Walker's best years are still ahead of him. He was still a boy when he came into the game, his career and life may have meandered a bit at times but the stars are aligning for him to repay Des for sticking solid. His form that past couple of weeks has been so good it surprised me.
Out of curiosity did a quick random comparison
Dylan - dob 27.9.94, 128 games, 58 tries, 4 times for Australia, 2 Origin, 7 finals matches
Cam Munster - dob 13.9.94, 105 games, 22 tries, 2 times for Australia, 7 Origin, 11 finals matches

 

[BOZO]

Walker's best years are still ahead of him. He was still a boy when he came into the game, his career and life may have meandered a bit at times but the stars are aligning for him to repay Des for sticking solid. His form that past couple of weeks has been so good it surprised me.
Out of curiosity did a quick random comparison
Dylan - dob 27.9.94, 128 games, 58 tries, 4 times for Australia, 2 Origin, 7 finals matches
Cam Munster - dob 13.9.94, 105 games, 22 tries, 2 times for Australia, 7 Origin, 11 finals matches

Good point . Walker is till young and has plenty of years to keep peaking and with the right coach he can keep evolving his skills

 

[The better Robbo]

I know Walker's struggled in halves before, and I am a fan of Cust.

But to catch up to Storm/Roosters/Rabbitohs and overtake them in GF, we need Walker at 5/8. Here's why:

1. Walker is a big match player who thrives on early ball.

2. Parker is a must to return to centre. We'll need his defence in GF against Mitchell/Manu and co. I like Cust but think Parker adds more to team overall.

3. Not sold on Cust / Croker / LG for big games. Cust still a work-in-progress.

4. We have a real coach who can make Walker in halves work.

5. The emergence of Fainu gives us another ball-player in team,

6. Walker has that X Factor you need in big games.

I know most will disagree with this but backline with Walker at Six and Parker at three looks stronger.

GENIUS IDEA 🙂

 

[Pittwater Legend]

This thread is an instant classic.

Next week could see us win 4 games in a row for the first time this season and Walker has done nicely at 5/8 during this time

 

[MuzztheEagle]

Still 44 dislikes...come on people. How quickly can this be reversed? (and then potentially re reversed as soon as Walker fs up?)

 

[The Wheel]

I fell on my sword and changed to winner -@1978 great foresight!

 

[HappilyManly]

Still 44 dislikes...come on people. How quickly can this be reversed? (and then potentially re reversed as soon as Walker fs up?)

Walker can just wait 4 years like we had to for him to earn his keep and our trust

BTW: I'm willing to change it earlier if he collects a Premiership ring in 2019

 

[Budgie]

Going great at 6. Only problem I can see is it increases his price for re-signing. Spine = $$$?

 

[damiennp90]

I’ve changed my disagree into an agree.

Only 40 now.

Come on

 

[40 years an eagle]

Going great at 6. Only problem I can see is it increases his price for re-signing. Spine = $$$?

I hope not BE. I'm more of the thought that Walker being allowed to play with us next year is enough motivation for him to sign for what Des had already nutted-out with him before his switch to 6.
He has been on 6 money for almost 3 years and owes us a lot of that back.