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The Rooster who's ruffling a few feathers
September 29, 2004
Roy Masters
The Roosters have a problem, and it's obvious to anyone with a stake in the big game of rugby league. That problem is Chris Walker.
The winger has all but sent the Bulldogs an open invitation to target him in Sunday's grand final with his inaction on the field.
Three times during last Sunday's match against the Cowboys Walker refused to carry the ball forward, leaving his teammates stranded and exposed to violent tackles.
He has angered his teammates, challenged his coach and disgusted Roosters officials.
One minute and 45 seconds into the second half, with the demand for 100 per cent commitment from the Roosters coach, Ricky Stuart, still ringing in players' ears, Walker ignored his teammate's plea for help.
The centre Justin Hodges had made a "come around" signal with his right arm for Walker to receive his pass. Walker did not budge and Hodges was smashed in front of the posts.
The forward Chris Flannery, who had earlier hurt his testicle and is now in hospital because of it, was forced to pick up the ball. He was heavily tackled.
If it was not for the quick thinking of another player, Brett Finch, who gave a short pass to the forward Michael Crocker, the Roosters' 10-6 lead would have been in danger.
Walker's inaction was the most blatant example of stranding teammates I have ever seen - and it didn't stop there. Walker stood by while his team plunged into danger a further two times during the game.
Walker is no stranger to deserting his mates. He jumped off the NRL's supposed Titanic, South Sydney, for a $40,000 contract from the Roosters, turning his back on a $300,000 contract at Redfern.
He was the worst player in the Rooster' loss to Penrith in last year's grand final.
He has also had problems off the field. He was sacked from the Queensland Origin squad after he left the team hotel, breaking his curfew, and became embroiled in a brawl with police.
Asked whether Walker was injured on Sunday, Ricky Stuart said: "No." He refused to comment on Walker's play, only saying: "My job is to get the best out of him, particularly in a grand final."
Several of the Cowboys recall the Roosters captain, Brad Fittler, calling upon both Hodges and Walker to take the ball forward. "You dudes, get in there and have a run," is a gentle translation of what Fittler said.
When referee Paul Simpkins blew full time, Walker was one of the most vitriolic in his abuse of the opposition.
The Cowboys coach, Graham Murray, said: "I'm aware of him giving us a gob full. It's always easy when you win."
However, there are some extenuating circumstances.
The Cowboys have a sandpit in Townsville where they practise tackling.
It is called "Ben Walker Corner", named after Walker's brother, who has been released by Manly and is now without a club. Chris Walker, angry at the slight at his brother's perceived poor defence, told the Cowboys: "Get back to your sandpits, you -----." While defending a brother is noble, Walker's criticism of the Cowboys for their defence is slightly hypocritical.
When asked whether the Bulldogs would target Walker's wing, the Bulldogs coach, Steve Folkes, gave nothing away.
However, his players are intense and easily incensed, and they will relish taking down opponents who run without support.
On reflection, the Roosters could have more players than Flannery lying in hospital on Sunday night.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/28/1096137239334.html?from=moreStories#
:lol: :lol:
September 29, 2004
Roy Masters
The Roosters have a problem, and it's obvious to anyone with a stake in the big game of rugby league. That problem is Chris Walker.
The winger has all but sent the Bulldogs an open invitation to target him in Sunday's grand final with his inaction on the field.
Three times during last Sunday's match against the Cowboys Walker refused to carry the ball forward, leaving his teammates stranded and exposed to violent tackles.
He has angered his teammates, challenged his coach and disgusted Roosters officials.
One minute and 45 seconds into the second half, with the demand for 100 per cent commitment from the Roosters coach, Ricky Stuart, still ringing in players' ears, Walker ignored his teammate's plea for help.
The centre Justin Hodges had made a "come around" signal with his right arm for Walker to receive his pass. Walker did not budge and Hodges was smashed in front of the posts.
The forward Chris Flannery, who had earlier hurt his testicle and is now in hospital because of it, was forced to pick up the ball. He was heavily tackled.
If it was not for the quick thinking of another player, Brett Finch, who gave a short pass to the forward Michael Crocker, the Roosters' 10-6 lead would have been in danger.
Walker's inaction was the most blatant example of stranding teammates I have ever seen - and it didn't stop there. Walker stood by while his team plunged into danger a further two times during the game.
Walker is no stranger to deserting his mates. He jumped off the NRL's supposed Titanic, South Sydney, for a $40,000 contract from the Roosters, turning his back on a $300,000 contract at Redfern.
He was the worst player in the Rooster' loss to Penrith in last year's grand final.
He has also had problems off the field. He was sacked from the Queensland Origin squad after he left the team hotel, breaking his curfew, and became embroiled in a brawl with police.
Asked whether Walker was injured on Sunday, Ricky Stuart said: "No." He refused to comment on Walker's play, only saying: "My job is to get the best out of him, particularly in a grand final."
Several of the Cowboys recall the Roosters captain, Brad Fittler, calling upon both Hodges and Walker to take the ball forward. "You dudes, get in there and have a run," is a gentle translation of what Fittler said.
When referee Paul Simpkins blew full time, Walker was one of the most vitriolic in his abuse of the opposition.
The Cowboys coach, Graham Murray, said: "I'm aware of him giving us a gob full. It's always easy when you win."
However, there are some extenuating circumstances.
The Cowboys have a sandpit in Townsville where they practise tackling.
It is called "Ben Walker Corner", named after Walker's brother, who has been released by Manly and is now without a club. Chris Walker, angry at the slight at his brother's perceived poor defence, told the Cowboys: "Get back to your sandpits, you -----." While defending a brother is noble, Walker's criticism of the Cowboys for their defence is slightly hypocritical.
When asked whether the Bulldogs would target Walker's wing, the Bulldogs coach, Steve Folkes, gave nothing away.
However, his players are intense and easily incensed, and they will relish taking down opponents who run without support.
On reflection, the Roosters could have more players than Flannery lying in hospital on Sunday night.
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/09/28/1096137239334.html?from=moreStories#
:lol: :lol:
