Shane Walker reflects on past carnivals ahead of Weekend Challenge in Toowoomba

One of Toowoomba’s most famous league families returns to town for the second edition of the Walkers Weekend Challenge.

Some of the Walker brothers with Valleys juniors during a break in play last year. Picture: Kevin Farmer

RUGBY LEAGUE: Toowoomba league royalty is set to return to town this weekend.

The second instalment of the Walker Weekend Challenge takes place at Herb Steinohrt Oval on Friday and Saturday.

The event pays tribute to the four Walker brothers - Ben, Chris, Luke and Shane, who started out their junior playing days with the Valleys Roosters.

A two-day carnival for U13s, Shane said it was a chance for the young guns to not only enjoy their football, but create lifelong memories.

“These types of carnivals are a really good opportunity for young boys and girls to really enjoy their football,” Shane said.

“It creates a lot of fun and enjoyment, as well as memories that will never leave you.

“I remember we played at a similar carnival growing up and my older brother Ben won a sports bag.

“It lit a fire under myself and Chris. All we wanted was to get to that carnival and win a sports bag.

“It’s amazing that those memories can still stick with you.”

The inaugural Walker Weekend Challenge held last year felt the brunt of the COVID pandemic, and had to be postponed with restricted numbers.

Clubs have returned in their droves this time around, with 16 boys teams taking part, as well as Valleys and Southern Suburbs in the girls division.

Teams include local TJRL outfits, as well as the Western Ringers, Ipswich Swifts, Warwick Collegians and Roma Saints.

Shane praised the efforts of clubs to get involved in the weekend, as well as the hard work of Ned Murphy to get the ball rolling.

“Ned and his team have done an enormous job in puttingting the weekend together,” he said.

“It’s very humbling to have an event named after you. I’d be far more comfortable if it was the Murphy-Walker Weekend.

“We were all very fortunate to start our league journey at Valleys.

“Because of COVID it got moved last year, but it was still a great event. The spirit in which it was played was fantastic.

“Obviously we couldn’t wait for this year. There’s great numbers and it’s so refreshing to see young kids playing what was in front of them, drawing and passing and keeping the ball alive.”

Shane said the brothers relish every opportunity they get to return to their former home ground.

“It’s like putting on a pair of old boots,” he said.

“You walk through the gates and there’s great memories you experienced there.”

The Walker Weekend Challenge commences at Herb Steinohrt Oval on Friday at 9am, with the closing ceremony at 3.45pm on Saturday.