Ex-Giant signs up for Devils after drug ban

FORMER Huddersfield Giants prop Adam Walker has signed for Salford Red Devils following the end of his drugs ban.

The 27-year-old is serving a 20-month suspension imposed by UK Anti-Doping after testing positive for cocaine use while playing for Wakefield in July 2017.

Walker - who has also played for Hull KR and St Helens – will be free to resume his career when his drugs ban expires on March 13, so won’t be available for the season opener against the Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium on February 1.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have a club for the 2019 season and I’m extremely grateful to Salford Red Devils for giving me this opportunity,” said Walker, who played six matches for the Giants during a two-year spell at the club during which he went out on loan to Barrow Raiders and Swinton Lions.

“I’ve not been perfect in the past. I don’t think anyone is.

“But you need to learn from your mistakes and develop as a person and player afterwards.

“It’s been a tough few years for myself not being able to play the sport I love on a regular basis.

“I was suffering from some mental health issues at the time which in turn led to me making a big mistake. I don’t want to use that as an excuse, I accepted and learnt from my punishment.”

Walker, a Scotland international who was forced to miss the 2017 World Cup as a result of his suspension, will be able to train with his new club before his ban ends and he says he is determined to make the most of his chance.

He added: “In my time away from