The middle child of the Walker family, Shane has been given limited opportunities in first grade thus far. He made his debut in the farcical 1996 clash with Manly and showed plenty of promise there.
Injuries have curtailed his progress in recent seasons, but a fully fit Shane intends to hit the big time in 1999. He captained the Australian Under 19s in 1997, showing his undoubted talent, and with State of Origin to deplete the club again midseason, he is assured to gain much needed experience.
Shane became a regular in the first grade squad in season 1999, even starting at halfback alongside brother Ben at five-eighth for the games against St George-Illawarra and Newcastle. Significantly, the Broncos won both games comfortably, racking up 60 points in the two games.
Despite playing in 20 of the club's matches in 2000, Walker was not initially offered a contract for 2001. With his brother Ben going to the Northern Eagles and Chris staying, Shane was eventually offered a one year contract and will be looking to 2001 as a chance to establish himself.
Walker, despite being the 18th man for the Grand Final, still received a premiership ring - from coach Wayne Bennett. Bennett made a similar gesture to Ben, who was in the same position in 1999.
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