Walker earns redemption shot at Salford

FORMER HUDDERSFIELD Giants, Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity prop-forward Adam Walker will return to Super League with Salford Red Devils when his drugs ban ends in March.

Walker, 27, tested positive for cocaine following a game for Trinity at Widnes Vikings in July 2017 and was suspended the following month.

He received a backdated 20-month ban in August last year and will be available to play again from March 14.

The Bradford-born Scotland international joined Trinity from St Helens on a two-year contract in May 2017, but played only seven games for them before the suspension that led to him leaving the club.

He said: “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.

“From day one speaking to director of rugby and operations Ian Blease and head coach Ian Watson I could see that Salford – as a club – have some real strong beliefs and values that centre around the community and doing good in the local area.

“I knew straight away that this was the kind of club I wanted to be at.

“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 learned from my punishment.

“In my time away from the game I feel like I’ve matured a lot.

“I honestly feel I’ve turned the corner, I’ve regained my love for the sport back and I’m ready for the next chapter.”