Quote ="Gotcha"I am not sure where you get this view that he was a monster as a junior, he simply wasn't. He was physical yes, but he was of average bigger size of anyone else. His skills were his brain in reading the game, and his passing ability. A lot at junior level were calling on him to be developed as an half, not a forward because of this reason. Leeds were so keen on getting him to first team level, and not wrong IMO, they put him on a fast track weights and build up programme, and went the forward route instead. Immediately on signing his first professional contract, he was informed he would play a maximum amount of games last year while he was on the programme. He went over that by two, because of his England selection. I would like to know which under 19 games you formed your opinion? He wasn't in many because of the restrictions, and in the close season he got injured, and has only been back a month whilst still completing his preseason training.
He will be a top star in the game for many a year. If not here, likely in the NRL, but if other Super League club still a star. Let him recover and complete the programme the club set.'"
Size wise he was significant larger than virtually every other kid he played against. When he made his debut at Bradford he looked not out of place physically - now when you see him he looks small when compared to even his peer group. Something has gone seriously wrong with his development.
Time will tell it would be criminal if a junior with his potential didn't realise it.
You look at young Walker and you can see he is class and will be a really top player - a bit like McGuire when he first emerged can you say the same about Smith? I hope you are right.
