Manly makes big call on utility star Dylan Walker
After transforming into a thumping forward, former Dally M Centre of the Year Dylan Walker has learned his fate with the Sea Eagles.
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Having enjoyed a breakout year after reinventing himself as a forward, Sea Eagles utility star Dylan Walker has penned a one-year deal with the club.
Walker joined Manly in 2016 and won the Dally M Centre of the Year award the following season under the tutelage of NRL legend Trent Barrett.
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Predominantly a centre or five-eighth, Walker modified his game to turn himself into a bruising lock in 2021.
Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler was delighted to tie down the 27-year-old for the upcoming season.
“Dylan is a very experienced player,” Hasler said. “His re-signing was a high priority for us.
“The ability to be able to play in several positions in the game today is vital and Dylan plays an extremely important role within the team.”
Now that he’s finally committed his future to the club he’s made over 100 appearances for since joining, Walker is already rubbing his hands together at what damage the Sea Eagles can do in 2022.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Manly and the club has been very supportive of me,” Walker said.
“I can’t wait to return to training with my teammates in the next few weeks to further build on the strong platform we laid this season.
“There is an air of excitement about what we can achieve next year.”
Earlier this year, Walker has handed an 18-month conditional release after pleading guilty to one count of common assault in relation to an altercation with two men outside a pizza store that occurred in November last year.
The Sea Eagles will look to build on their fourth-place finish in 2021, bowing out in the preliminary finals at the hands of beaten grand finalists South Sydney.
It was a breakout season for star fullback Tom Trbojevic, with his scintillating form earning the Dally M Medal last season despite missing the opening rounds of their campaign.
Originally published as Manly makes big call on utility star Dylan Walker
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