Quality of Walker is welcomed by Chester
VAS SOMEONE who has defeated the Kangaroos in a World Cup final, Sam Rapira realises nothing is achieved with just one victory.
His Huddersfield Giants side are revived somewhat ahead of tonight’s West Yorkshire derby at Wakefield Trinity after the Kiwi’s match-winning try saw them pick up a rare win against Catalans Dragons at Magic Weekend last Sunday.
That has alleviated some of the pressure on them as they strive to avoid ending up in the Qualifiers for a second successive season.
Prop Rapira – who helped New Zealand stun Australia in the culmination of the 2008 World Cup tournament – admitted: “It was awesome to get that. It’s been tough the last few weeks so it was good to get the win and a try, too.
“That was a confidence booster for us all but it means nothing if we can’t back it up.
“This is just a start. It’s been a short turnaround and we have Wakefield now and we have to build on it. We have a bit of confidence and we must make sure we use it.”
At one point, Huddersfield had gone nine games without a win but not have two in their last three matches after also succeeding at Leeds.
They remain in tenth spot yet are just two points adrift of the top eight ahead of their trip to a Trinity side who are seeking a fifth successive win.
“Wakefield have a good pack and some good skill in there,” added Rapira, who is hoping to shake off an injury in time to play.
“At prop, (David) Fifita can skip across, offload and then get a quick play the ball and they definitely have some strike in their team. They had a good win at Magic (v Widnes) and are on a bit of a roll but if we want to compete we have to be able to beat anyone at any time.
“When we do turn up we play well. As long as we do that once more we give ourselves a good chance. It is important we don’t end up in the Qualifiers again and a couple of wins you are in the top eight.
“It is achievable but it comes down to us catching the ball, running hard and tackling hard. Those are the basics.” WAKEFIELD TRINITY coach Chris Chester has described Adam Walker as “one of the best young British forwards in Super League” having signed the Scotland prop from St Helens.
The former Huddersfield Giants front-row has joined on a two-and-a-half year deal and joins with immediate effect.
Chester worked with Walker – who will not come into consideration for tonight’s game against Huddersfield – previously at Hull KR and rates him highly.
Admittedly, the aggressive 26-year-old has failed to earn a regular place with Saints since joining from Rovers at the end of last season, but will now certainly offer punch for Trinity as they bid to keep their top-four bid alive.
They already boast the likes of Craig Huby, David Fifita, Anthony England, Mitch Allgood and Keegan Hirst up front but Chester is aware of Walker’s quality and knows how to get the best out of him.
“I have worked with Adam (Walker) for a number of years, and we have got a good relationship,” he said, as Wakefield seek a fifth straight win tonight.
“He is one of the best young British forwards in Super League and we have beat off a host of other Super League clubs for his signature.
“I’d like to thank St Helens and Michael (Carter) for making this deal happen and I am sure he will become a fans favourite at the club for many years.”
Bradford-born Walker, who has a chance of coming into the squad for Monday’s game at champions Wigan Warriors, said: “I am looking forward to getting out there.
“I have known Chris most of my professional playing career.
“I met him when I played for Scotland about six or seven years ago and know what to expect from him. He knows what to expect from me, so I am looking forward to playing under him again.”