Does the return of Zac spell the end for the poor, unfortunate Jack Walker? Article in Total RL about this…….

Sadly I would think so, Hardaker will still be at Leeds next season and is the best full back at the club. Walker is out of contract at end of next season but wouldn’t be surprised if he left early and we went with Hardaker and Myler

I am quite saddened by this, but end of day Zac is at a completely different level and with his fitness could got another 5 years at the very top….

Walker's been desperately unlucky with injuries and to have played most of his career when fit in terrible Leeds sides. It would be interesting to see him get a run in a team playing with confidence. Having said that, Hardaker is just better than Walker at most parts of full back play - partly because he's just a bigger, stronger player. I didn't really want him back at Leeds but its hard to argue he's not the best fullback at the club by a distance.

If he can keep out of trouble for 5 years. Don't think he's managed to do that to date.

Some of it could depend on who comes up as well. Zak could be tempted by a homecoming to Featherstone if they get up and they’d see it as a statement signing.

Walker has been really unlucky, is he back available yet? I really wouldn’t write anyone off until Smith has had chance to work with them. But if he was to stay he’d have a real battle/not be a shoe in first choice

I just don't see it with Walker. What's his biggest attribute? Doesn't play like an extra half and doesn't seem to have the pace to go through gaps. I don't know if that's down to injuries or he just hit his ceiling early doors, but I struggle to find reasons for him being retained. I've seen people say he could move into the halves, but again, what skills has he got to support this? Sad after coming onto the scene with such a bang, but it feels like we're at a point in the evolution of the team where we need quality not sentiment

Exactly this. For me he may get a career in SL, but will never be a top drawer fullback. Doesn’t have the physical capabilities, and as you say, that’s not mitigated by high skill level or speed.

I think it’s a combination of being hugely over-hyped and peaking at a young age.

Seem to recall that there was a sticking point over the contract to retain him in that he was adamant he didn't wish to be developed as a half back. Mind, I might well have read that on here so who knows whether it was actually true

I rate him as a broken field runner but given how near to our line he's had to play from there's no surprise that it's been to limited effect.

But ATEOTD I'd agree he's no top 4 fullback.

He doesn’t get a bench spot at the moment. If Sezar comes back to halfs, Even if Hardaker moves to centre then Myler to Full back. Then Newman is fit thats likely Sutcliffe or any off Myler Austin Sezar move to the bench. Injury prone player who can only get in the side when others are injured, unfortunately we cannot carry him anymore, i’d encourage him to seek a deal elsewhere.
His only way in is if Hardaker does not want to sign for next year or beyond.