The older brother of Rabbitohs' player Cody Walker says he can "still cut it" at 32 and today Ryan Walker will have his shot in front of National Rugby League scouts.
Ryan Walker admits he should have pushed himself more when he had his chance at the NRL.
He made his debut for the Penrith Panthers in Round 21, 2011, and played three successive matches, scoring one try.
But that was as far as it went.
Since then he has made his home in Newcastle and excelled in the strong competition there, winning numerous accolades and player of the year awards.
He was named man of the tournament in the New South Wales Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout in 2017 after winning the title with the Newcastle Yowies.
It has led to selection for the First Nations Goannas who will play New Zealand Maori tonight to cap the Festival of Indigenous Rugby League.
PHOTO: The First Nations Goannas in Sydney in 2017. (Supplied: Ryan Walker)
The team is different to the Indigenous All Stars in that the players are picked from the best of the community NSW and Queensland Indigenous rugby league tournaments, rather than from professional NRL teams.
It will be a proud moment for the 32-year-old Bundjalung man.
'It ended up not lasting'
Ryan Walker's rugby league resume is very impressive. But at times he still had thoughts about his short-lived professional career.
"I didn't really believe that I belonged. I thought I was a bit lucky and didn't think it was going to last, and it ended up not lasting. If I could go back I probably would have done a few things differently," he said.
"I didn't really appreciate those times like I should have. I cruised through a bit and I didn't push myself enough to make sure that I stayed there, there's a bit of regret there but that's just life."
While he admits the feel of professionalism in the Goannas camp brings back memories of those days, he said he was content with what he had now.
"I wish I would have stuck it out a bit longer, but I wouldn't have what I have today if I didn't walk away when I did," he said.
"I have my kids now and a working career so I can't really dwell on it."
That's not to say he has completely given up some hope of another game in the top grade.
Pro tips from his younger brother
Watching in the stands tonight will be younger brother Cody, who is the current South Sydney Rabbitohs five eighth.
PHOTO: Ryan Walker (left) with fellow First Nations Goanna player, Bennett Leslie. (Supplied: Ryan Walker)
The brothers share information about nutrition, training and recovery methods and Ryan tries to emulate Cody's schedule as much as his life allows with full-time work and a family.
This approach led to a career best year in 2017 where Ryan shone at every level of Rugby League he played.
Cody is adamant that his big brother could easily slip back in to life as full time athlete.
"He is very professional in the way he looks after his body, and he could be a part of a professional environment again," he said.
"I came to Goannas training the other day and he was here 40 minutes early, doing little stretches and just getting his body right."
He looks sharp, says coach
Goannas coach Laurie Daley said he was looking forward to watching Ryan Walker play and had noticed his experience and influence around the playing group.
"He looks really sharp at training and you can tell he has plenty of ability," he said.
"I think the guys respect him and they look upon him as a leader and just the way he has conducted himself around the camp has been excellent."
Daley, who is also the Indigenous All Stars coach is a strong advocate for Goannas team's community player approach.
He said he hoped Saturday's match would stick around to be a curtain raiser when the All Stars returned next year.
Daley also said Indigenous All Stars should play against a New Zealand Maori team, rather than an NRL All Stars squad.
He saw the game against the Maori team as a chance for his 20-man squad to shine, with some interested parties in attendance.
"These players will be before scouts and if they put their best foot forward and show their capabilities who knows where it may lead," Daley said.
For Ryan Walker, such an opportunity would be welcome, but he was not banking on it.
"I honestly believe I could still cut it at that level but it's probably not going to happen because of my age and what not, but I still try and keep myself at that high level," he said.
"If things like that pop up they do, but if not I am happy and comfortable where I am and doing what I am doing but you never know."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-...ll-make-it-as-professional-nrl-player/9416634
But can he cut sick at mixed touch ?
