Intrust Super Cup: Former Titan stars for Tweed Heads and other action from around the grounds

SHANNON Walker has not given up hope of playing in the NRL again after producing a sizzling performance for Tweed Heads yesterday.

Shannon Walker (left) of Tweed Heads Seagulls tries to break away from Joshua Chudleigh of Mackay Cutters during Round 8 of the Queensland Cup rugby league match played at the Piggabeen Sports Club, Tweed Heads, New South Wales. Photo: Regi Varghese

SHANNON Walker has not given up hope of playing in the NRL again after producing a sizzling performance for Tweed Heads yesterday.

Walker scored a try and set up another as the Seagulls snapped a five-match losing streak with a 37-24 win over struggling Mackay at Piggabeen.

Walker, 27, gave up a rugby sevens berth at this year’s Rio Olympics to chase a second coming in the NRL.

He was shattered when told there was no immediate contract for him at the Titans following a two-month “train and trial” audition.

Walker played four NRL games for the Gold Coast between 2008-10 and said he was determined to one day feature in first grade again.

“It’s always there,” he said of his NRL dream.

“I wouldn’t be playing the game if it wasn’t. Everyone strives to play that.

“We’re only one tier under the NRL. You can’t be too bummed.

“I’m not training fulltime anymore but I’m preparing the best I can.”

Former Titan Shannon Walker escapes a tackle from Michael Pearsall of Mackay Cutters to score a try during Round 8 of the Intrust Super Cup. Picture: Regi Varghese

Cowboys premiership-winning forward John Asiata was outstanding for the Cutters with a two-try haul.

But Mackay are still yet to win a game this year.

For the Seagulls, the highlight was Walker’s 50m kick return to put Leva Li away.

Walker said his return to league had been a slow process following five years in rugby sevens.

“I’m really loving it. I’ve been finding my feet and really enjoying it,” he said.

“I’m not closing the door on anything. If they (Titans) are struggling, we’re a feeder club and if something came up I’d jump at it.”

Townsville continued their charge with a 26-13 win against Northern Pride.

■ BURLEIGH coach Jim Lenihan says the Bears are not yet at the same level as the table-topping sides, despite a strong start to the Intrust Super Cup season.

Ahead of today’s Anzac Day showdown with the Hunters, Lenihan wants to see more.

The Bears have only suffered two losses so far but face their biggest challenge yet when they take on PNG in the third annual Kokoda Cup clash.

Lenihan said while he was proud of his side’s start, they still had much to learn.

“This will be a good game to see how we perform ... how we play will be as important as the result,” he said.

“The two losses we’ve had, we haven’t necessarily been beaten by better teams.

“We’ve had times where we’re getting a little bit complacent by having a few wins in a row.

“We’re not a Townsville or a world polished team that is ruthless week in and week out.”

Lenihan said the Bears would have to be better defensively to shut down the “strong and energetic” Hunters.

The Bears will be looking to win back the Kokoda Cup in front of their home crowd, after PNG claimed it last year.

Lenihan said the Anzac Day clash was one he hoped to see stay around for many years to come, following its inception in 2014.

“It’s ignited everyone’s imagination about where it can go,” he said.

“I’d love it to be on every year ... it’s a great tick in the box for what Burleigh is trying to do in creating that.

“Even if it’s a Tuesday or Wednesday, it would be good to create a game that can be part of Anzac Day and pay respect to the Diggers.”