He may not have won the rugby league public over, but Dylan Walker is doing all the right things in Des Hasler’s eyes as he attempts to extend his stay at Manly.
Walker will continue his comeback to the NRL against Gold Coast at Lottoland on Friday night, just 48 hours after running into heavy criticism following a ‘tell-all’ interview on Channel 9.
Appearing alongside partner Alex Ivkovic, the former rep centre shed tears as he detailed his torment at being charged with domestic violence charges.
He was eventually found not guilty of the charges and insists he and Ivkovic are rock solid and rebuilding their lives together after enduring plenty of ‘dark days’.
Walker did the interview with Hasler’s blessing in an attempt to put a full stop on the episode, but the backlash was severe from an unconvinced and sceptical public.
Walker’s next challenge is to win over the coach as he reaches the final stages of a lucrative four-year deal.
He hopes to stay on what is likely to be a drastically reduced deal.
Hasler likes what he’s seen so far.
“He’s a class player. He creates opportunities (for himself) and creates scoring opportunities for the team,” the Manly boss said on Thursday.
“That was only his first game back (last week) and I thought his touches were pretty good, as you’d expect.
“He will be better for that run.”
The 15th-placed Titans arrive on the northern beaches a club in crisis.
Coach Garth Brennan is fighting to save his job, while several high-profile players are under the gun after failing to deliver this season.
Manly is at the other end of the scale after an expectedly good start to the season, but the coach did his best to convince us the Titans will be a genuine threat.
“After watching them it’s hard to understand where they are at,” Hasler said.
“They throw a lot of footy at you, they’re quite unpredictable and they have some outstanding individuals in there.
“Regardless of where they are (on the ladder), there are no easy games.”