Jack Walker is on the verge of a move to Bradford Bulls with his Leeds Rhinos career coming to an end. The fullback, who was under contract at Headingley next season, will now make the move to the Championship in a deal that frees up further salary cap space for the club.
However, the move will not see them retain Zak Hardaker, who has been unable to come to terms on a new contract with the club and will move elsewhere for the 2023 season. It leaves Leeds with a substantial amount of salary cap space, as well as a quota spot, to enhance the squad in time for next year.
Walker, 23, has endured a bitterly frustrating career, with injuries hampering his progress. Undeniably talented, the fullback has impressed whenever he has been able to get on the field for prolonged periods. However, a stack of major injuries has resulted in him playing just 70 Super League games since his debut in 2017.
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Walker burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old and became one of the youngest winners in Grand Final history when he won the 2017 Grand Final with the Rhinos. The world was, at that time, at his feet, with Walker regarded as one of the best talents on the globe. He has suffered major injuries in the last three seasons including a serious foot injury in 2020. This year, a hamstring injury kept him out for two months and he ended the season suffering a syndesmosis injury while on loan at Hull FC, which was set to require surgery.
He will now continue his career at Bradford in what is an undeniable coup for the Bulls as they look to climb the Championship after a disappointing campaign. Mark Dunning's side finished ninth in the second tier last season but will be hoping for better in 2023. The deal is permanent, rather than a loan.
It remains to be seen how Leeds plan to use their salary cap space though it won't be on Hardaker, a fact that is likely to frustrate Leeds supporters. His departure, as well as Liam Sutcliffe's exit, leaves the Rhinos light at centre. Hardaker and Walker also played fullback but the club has brought in Luke Hooley from Batley to compete with Richie Myler.
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