Walker has class that also cannot be coached into a player. Much of the attacking skills he has displayed so far have been in tight situations in the opponents half, which is why I think he would be great at stand off which is the most important position on the field. I do not know about his kicking ability but he has the eye for an opening, and the pace and confidence to go for it, the step off both feet, passing ability, all these abilities say he is a natural 6 for me.

His style reminds abit of Billy slater, the way he seems to glide across the park and then puts the step on just before the line.

Agree with Juan.....Walker looks a shoe in Stand Off. But if his personal preference is FB, he needs to work on his D.

Completely agree. Whilst I continue to be dumbfounded by McD's attacking coaching skills/use of subs (Thursday was a refreshing change in that dept - all 4 subs got good time & all contributed well), I have consistently said that his defensive coaching skills are not to be questioned, by me at least. Hardaker & Golding are a good example of that. Our left edge defence is the only occasional blip, except when playing Cas, when we appear transfixed.

For me Walker is a natural centre - his running style and awareness on the field are the skills all the great centres possess.

Centres are by far the most exciting players on field to watch - Walker is a rare talent it would be interesting to see him given a go at left centre

I too would like to see him have a go on the left. might not work but be good to have a look. as for walker at centre, not for me. a natural 1 or 6. I think he'll be top class whichever he chooses

I was talking to Jack last week, and he opened up about everything that's gone on regarding the contract issues over the last couple of months.
The only reason he stalled (not turned down as the club said in the media) on a new deal was down to Golding's new 4 year contract. The lad never demanded the 1 jumper, just wasn't sure where he stood. The contract hasn't changed from the first one uncle Gazza put on the table. Warrington offered 10k more than Leeds and Leigh put up a ridiculous 50 grand a year! All I know is, Jack was close to joining Wire, until a meal with the family and Hetherington made him realise how highly the club thought of him. the 3 year deal consists of 20k in the first year, 24 in year 2 and 30 grand when he's 21. Not a bad crack for all concerned really!

which I think is almost what gotcha put and was ridiculed and abused by some on here

double post sorry

And I'm sure the same will probably happen here..

That's the truth mate

Oh, and if it was all about greed as some suggested on here, he would have snapped Derrick Beaumont's hand off........he never even considered talking to Leigh.

I know he was offered the full back role and no 1 shirt plus 40 k a year. he also turned down hull after having a look around

Hetherington said to him 'do you think you're the best FB at the club'? Sign for me and prove it, then we'll comw back round this table next year and discuss fresh terms.

I remember watching Golding in 19s and would beat people for fun. Sometimes stepping 4 or 5 players in one run but he would end up losing 5 yards. The skills was there, and still are, he just didnt know how to use them. Once he figures that out he can be a very good player. Hes still very young and can be developed into a top player.

Walker is an X factor player. The type that dont come around very often. A Iestyn Harris type. Pure class.

I dont agree with the adage if you're good enough you are old enough. Thats old hat now. Walker will need to be handled correctly and he will be.

Is it crazy to suggest Golding on bench and after 55 mins move Walker from 1 to 6 against tiring defenders? The way Graham Murray used to with Iestyn. It would make more sense than an unused sub.

Madness to not play a player who is clearly good enough just because of his age.

Bradford used to play Fielden when he was a kid, admittedly a much tougher position. By the time he was 26/27 he was basically finished.

Sure he was good enough when he was 18 but if they hadnt flogged him early im sure his career would have lasted much longer.

Nobody is saying dont play him cos he is young. Just need to bring him on gradually as we did with Sir Kev, Maggsy, JJB, Burrow etc. GH knows what he is doing.

He'll be sharing the number one duties with Golding for the time being anyway

Repeat

But it's not just because of his age, he doesn't have the physical presence to play week in week out yet. Walker took some big hits on Friday and needs to be given time to recover from them before he's sent out to face some more. Nobody is saying don't play Walker at all, but at the moment rotating between Walker and Golding is the right thing to do. If next season Walker has put a load of muscle on and doesn't get bashed around as much it may be a different story.

I'm sure the conditioning staff knew what they are doing.

Golding and walker could bring each other on over the next couple of years.

A fascinating and detailed account of what happened. But assuming this is true and not a wind up, I hope Jack gave you permission to reveal these details. If not then IMO you have let him down big time.

Need to remember the serious injury to Golding when he first started out.

I think the decision to play could be tactical. Golding when the defence needs bolstering I.E. Hull, Wigan, Castleford etc and Walker for the more attacking side I.E. Salford, Leigh etc

Rotate until one or the other develops their individual weaknesses.

Think this will be a fantastic scrap next year.

Golding will play where he is selected, not sure about Jack though - courtesy of the media of course

Agree rotating could be the right idea, but we know we are in a semi final now, so who would pick in that game?

Personally Im still unconvinced by Walker's defence, but as we know we will be tested next week I would use Cas as the acid test to whether we could trust him in a semi final.

Oh I know it is, but some people won't, that's what I'm saying.