Sea Eagles utility Dylan Walker has signed a three-deal with the New Zealand Warriors from 2023 onwards, joining Luke Metcalf and Marata Niukore in the Warriors 2023 recruitment drive.
After three straight injury-riddled seasons, Walker found some form in 2021 as a utility, playing as a utility and appearing in 20 games.
It’s unclear where Walker, who'll be 28 when he switches clubs, will slot into Warriors lineup, with Shaun Johnson and Chanel Harris-Tavita in the halves, Reece Walsh at the back and Kodi Nikorima playing in the no. 14 jersey for season 2022.
“He has proven himself among the competition’s best and most consistent players over the last two seasons, a player very much on top of his game,” Warriors general manager Craig Hodge said in a statement.
“He’s a high-quality centre who can also play in the halves, at fullback and fill a role in the middle if required. Dylan’s going to bring so much to our side from next season.”
After making the move from South Sydney to Manly ahead of the 2016 season, Walker has appeared 101 times in the maroon and white.
“Coming to Manly was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Walker said in a statement.
“I’ve not only grown as a player, but as a person too. I know I will leave here as a better man.
“I’ve certainly had some tough times on and off the field, but the club has always stood by me and for that, I will be forever grateful. Playing for Manly has been an honour and it is one I don’t take lightly.”
Walker has a premiership and two State of Origin appearances to his name already during his rollercoaster career, which is something that excites Warriors coach Nathan Brown.
Brown spoke to the media on Wednesday, revealing the reasons for Walker's addition and where he sees him fitting into the squad.
“He’s a grand final winner, he’s obviously gone from Souths to Manly and played in some strong Manly sides," Brown said.
"He’s a footy player that competes hard – what is his best position, I don’t know. What I do know is that he can contribute to any football team in any number of positions, and the changing of the game and the rules has probably made a player of his talents become more valuable.
“The conversations that were had with Dylan, I don’t think position (factored into it). I think the role he has started to play for Dessy at Manly, where he plays a number of roles, really excites him.
"That’s probably one of the key things that made his signing great for us – he has played quality football in the centres, five-eighth and lock. He is happy to play all those types of roles.
“He’s obviously had, like a lot of young boys in the world today, one or two issues away from the field. To our knowledge and our background checks, Dylan has moved forward from those areas, hence he is still at Manly playing and the NRL has allowed him to play.
"There’s some hurdles to get over in life, perhaps more now than ever with social media and the access to all sorts of different things.
"Has it helped Dylan grow as a person? To our knowledge and what we’ve been told, it would suggest it has."
Although injured in a trial game loss to Canberra, Walker is expected to line up for Manly on March 10 when the Sea Eagles attempt to end their eight straight losing starts to a season.
The Warriors kick off their 2022 campaign against St George Illawarra on Saturday, March 13.
