Leeds-born teenager Sam Walker stars in NRL debut - son of ex-Leeds Rhinos player Ben Walker helps Sydney Roosters to big win over New Zealand Warriors
Leeds-born teenager Sam Walker made his NRL debut on Sunday and was among Sydney Roosters’ scorers in a 32-12 drubbing of New Zealand Warriors.
Walker is the son of Ben Walker who played for Leeds Rhinos 19 years ago.
The 18-year-old half-back’s pass sent Nat Butcher over for a try in the first half and he booted a goal after the break.
Walker was one of three Roosters players whose father had a spell with Leeds.
Brett Morris, a two-try scorer and Josh Morris, who also got over the whitewash, are sons of Steve ‘Slippery’ Morris who featured for Leeds in the 1987-88 season.
Sam Walker was born in Leeds during his father’s season at the club.
Signed from Northern Eagles to replace super star Iestyn Harris, former Brisbane Broncos and London Broncos stand-off Ben Walker scored 119 goals, 12 tries and a drop goal - for a total of 286 points - during his only campaign with Rhinos.
Back in Australia, he played for Manly Sea Eagles and South Sydney and later had a spell working alongside his brother Chris as joint-coach of Ipswich Jets.
He is now a real estate agent in Queensland.