Re: RD 21 | Leeds Rhinos v Wakefield Trinity : Sat Jul 14, 2018 8:27 am
ALAW wrote:
He says awful tonight. Always running sideways. Yet to see him break a tackle when coming from receiving a kick. Better in attack than Golding but weaker in defense
Walker should not have been MOM or anywhere near it last night in perhaps his worst display so far. But he is flavour of the month for many commentators who view him through the 'Kings New Clothes' spectacles.
He is a talent and a great prospect but his overall performances is not living up to the superstar mantra. His defense is not as good as Golding's who makes fewer errors and more tackles and has better positional sense. Last night his effort to defend Wakefield's first try was woeful and he was out of position when Moon slipped for an other of their tries. He also spilled the ball several times in the game but that can happen to anyone especially at fullback. However for a player who has good attacking skills he has not been fulfilling his promise.
In the 16 matches he has played in this year he has only made a total of 4 clean breaks and 35 tackle busts and when returning kicks he has got an all too predictable sidestep as he goes into contact which is easily dealt with so he has now got into the habit of crabbing sideways looking for a gap. He is a brave lad but I fear for his safety as his kick return sidestep attracts too many head high tackles.
As he develops physically he will become more effective on his kick returns but may lose some pace. In the meantime, and with Moon so ineffective, I would like to see him get an extended run at stand off where his speed and sidestep could provide the missing spark our attack so desperately needs.