Focused Walker is looking forward to his new challenge
● WIDNES Academy product Danny Walker is not going to let the grass grow under his feet after signing a new four-year contract with the club last week.
Walker’s deal is the longest ever handed out by the Vikings in Super League and shows the faith Denis Betts and his coaching team have in the 18 year-old who has made some eye-catching first-team appearances this season.
And although there are several players currently ahead of him in the pecking order for the dummy-half role, Walker is aiming to fight hard for a spot in the side.
He said: “It’s exciting to have a challenge in front of me.
“I’ve got more experienced heads ahead of me like Aaron Heremaia and Lloyd White. And then there’s Jordan Johnstone who’s been killing it all year.
“It gives me a goal. I’ve got to do the little things better than them if I want to get myself in that team.
“It might give Denis (Betts) a bit of a headache but it’s really good to have that competition there and I think we’ll help each other out.”
Although relatively slight in stature, Walker has already demonstrated he is not the type of player to take a backward step.
With an excellent passing game and some real pace to go with it, he intends to terrify opposition defences for years to come while continuing to give his all in the tackling department.
He added: “I’m an oldfashioned player really. I like to work hard and put my body on the line.
“I hope people see that I give one hundred per cent in every game.
“Attacking-wise I think I’m pretty quick and nimble around the play-the-ball.
“When the lads work hard and get you a quick ruck you just have to go after it and look to make a break yourself or put one of your mates through a gap.
“It’s a challenge when you’re coming up against players who might be a foot taller than you and perhaps double my weight, but it’s a challenge I love.”
On the personal front, it’s also good news that the young Warringtonian’s family and friends have come around to the idea of him representing the Vikings.
“I think everyone’s really happy for me now,” he smiled.
“When I first signed for Widnes when I was 14, my mates gave me a little bit of stick but I think some of them are starting to warm towards Widnes now.
“They’re always turning up to my games, anyway!”
Walker signed his new four-year deal at the same time it was announced half-back Rangi Chase had committed to a two-year contract with the Vikings from 2018.