Reformed Walker set to shine at Sea Eagles

THIS time last year, Dylan Walker was a centre facing domestic assault charges.

Twelve months on and now he’s not only a reformed man, but buoyed by the prospect of being reborn as a five-eighth at Manly this NRL season.

Ahead of Sunday’s Round 1 clash with Melbourne, Walker opened up on the deep dive he took in the summer to rehabilitate his off-field life.

He spoke about looking into his family history and culture, prompting him to set some personal goals not related to his football.

“I’ve always set goals in football, but not outside of football. And that was the difference of how I am now,” Walker said. “I’ve got family goals, my immediate family goals and friendship goals.

“Once you get that all and you’ve got a good cycle, and a good rhythm, football comes. Football’s the easy part. Life outside of it is the hard part. “I’ve experienced that firsthand and I’m really excited about football this year.”

The 25-year-old said he was in a different headspace to last March, when he was unsure when his next game of rugby league would come.

The charges were later dismissed in court, freeing him to play in May.

For the first time in his career, Walker has spent an entire pre-season at five-eighth.

Having been regarded as a centre for his entire career, Walker is motivated at moving back to the position he played throughout his juniors.

“I’m really excited about this challenge because if everything goes well, I get the whole season to cement my spot there and do what I have to do,” he said.