Re: Jack Walker : Fri Nov 27, 2020 12:42 pm
I think that bulking isn’t always that helpful. Somebody used Keary as an example and response was he isn’t a full back and he debuted later. Ryan Papenhuyzen is a full back, I would say he is on the way to becoming an elite one. He is 22 and 5”11 (181cm) 80kg. Debuted at 20 in the NRL for the storm. Prior was playing for storm feeder team and origin under 20. Played 42 times for the storm.
Walker is according to the rhinos website Walker is 5”10 (178cm) and 81kg. Debuted in the challenge cup at 17 and became regular at 17-18. Prior to that playing more age grade rugby. Played 60 times for the rhinos.
Reasonably similar build, similar position, same position. Only difference is debut age.
Couple of things, I don’t think Walker is or ever will be as explosive as a real top level full back needs to be. I think he is a great player but isn’t ever going to be elite level (to be fair few are).
Second I think playing regularly at 18 probably didn’t help but it can’t be the only thing or there would be scientific data to say doing at that 17-18 will cause long term damage and I don’t think they would do it.
Third, he is the same weight just about as Papenhuyzen so I don’t think he needs to bulk per se. Maybe he just needs to work on his explosive power.
Hopefully the shoulder op will help, he has had issues with his shoulders for a while from memory.