Age: |
23 |
Date of Birth: |
February 27, 1980 |
Height: |
184cm (1.84m) |
Weight: |
92kg |
First Grade Games: |
67 |
Tries: |
40 |
Goals: |
0 |
Field Goals: |
0 |
Points: |
160 |
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Chris Walker has been labelled the future Steve Renouf by some of the game's great centres. The youngest of the Walker trio, Chris was rushed into first grade in 1999 as the Broncos hit an injury crisis early on. After a shaky start, he stood up to be counted. His two tries against South Sydney set his career alight.
Sadly, injury has curtailed a promising season in 1999, but the success he has had in 1999 provides a platform for his career to move on in 2000 and beyond.
A proficient attacker with a great step and deceptive pace, Walker has proven a tryscoring machine in Queensland Cup over the past season and a half. His only weakness is his defence, and coach Wayne Bennett has been working on this area closely to ensure Walker becomes a complete player, and a fixture in the first grade line up for years to come.
Walker played 10 first grade games for Brisbane in 2000, and was the only one of the three Walker brothers initially offered a renewed contract for 2001, before Shane was given a lifeline in October.
Walker's four tries doubled his first grade tally in a mirror of his 1999 debut season. Unfortunately, one of his most memorable - or forgettable - moments came in Round 22 against Penrith. Walker cruised away with sensational speed and was set to score, celebrating with a triumphant wave of his finger. He then dropped the ball over the line.
That brash enthusiasm of youth will be something coach Wayne Bennett will be very keen to kerb into steady maturity, a job he did with great success on the likes of Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri.
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