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.
By Peter Smith
Published 4th Apr 2021, 12:39 GMT
Updated 4th Apr 2021, 12:40 GMT
Ben Walker pictured in 2002. Pixcture by Tony Johnson.Ben Walker pictured in 2002. Pixcture by Tony Johnson.
Ben Walker pictured in 2002. Pixcture by Tony Johnson.

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.

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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.

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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.

Related topics:LeedsNRL

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