Parra intrested in Luke Walsh

interested in WalshBy Tony AdamsAugust 23, 2016FacebookTwitterGoogleEmailTHE MAN with the most accurate kicking game in rugby league is set to return to the NRL in 2017 after three seasons in England.Former Panthers star Luke Walsh has declared he wants to come home – and has already attracted interest from premiers North Queensland and the struggling Dragons.Parramatta are also set to open talks with Walsh as they continue to search for a replacement for departing No.7 Kieran Foran.“Luke’s wife has just had their second baby and they want to come home,” Walsh’s manager Todd Buckingham tells RLW.“He has had three great years at St Helens but it is hard for them with small kids living so far from family support.“I’ve had chats with the Cowboys and Dragons and have also had a call from the Eels.”Luke has been great at St Helens and his kicking game is second to none – in England or Australia.“In the modern game, that makes him a very valuable player.”The Cowboys have an established halves pairing in Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan – but both are set to miss a substantial chunk of next season during the State of Origin period.The player they have as their back-up halfback – Ray Thompson – is off contract and talking to several clubs and seems certain to leave.The Dragons need to improve their misfiring attack and will have a vacancy in the halves with Benji Marshall leaving. Walsh’s kicking game would definitely produce tries and also take some of the pressure off Gareth Widdop.The rumour mill linked Walsh with Manly but they have Daly Cherry-Evans and have signed Blake Green (Storm) and Cameron Cullen (Titans) in the halves for next season.At 29, Walsh is starting to think of life after playing – and again it revolves around his radar right boot.“He wants to get into coaching – ideally kicking coaching – and there is no better man to do it,” Buckingham says.“But it is one step at a time and he still has something to offer as a player so hopefully we can come to terms with an NRL club soon.”A Newcastle junior, Walsh began his top-grade career with the Knights in 2007 but was poached after just one season by Penrith.He gave the Panthers great service, playing 107 games across five seasons before taking up a lucrative offer from St Helens.Walsh has been a consistent performer for Saints and they were keen to extend his deal for another couple of seasons.

Replies

RazorRam0n August 23, 2016 at 3:07pm

x2
Muttman August 23, 2016 at 3:11pm

Please no.
- Richard Jackson > Muttman August 23, 2016 at 3:23pm
  
  I would not discount him out of hand.
colin hussey August 23, 2016 at 3:35pm

Would be no worse than some of the other names being bandied around. Thing is I remember him from his Penrith days & he won several encounters for them against us. Also would resolve our primary other need as a goal kicker, not many better than him.

He would certainly be an asset in helping a young half as well as the other club kickers. Sort of a handy 3 in 1 player. I also seem to remember he played at 9 at times as well.
Carl August 23, 2016 at 3:38pm

Has a good kicking game and a goal kicker. He would be an ok signing
There isn't much around ATM
Michael Ericson August 23, 2016 at 3:43pm

I always thought Walsh was a pretty handy player. He would be a pretty good 2 year deal option for us right now. He's a better option than Benji Marshall because of his kicking game.
- ShatteredEel > Michael Ericson August 23, 2016 at 3:48pm
  
  Please god no..
- Michael Ericson > Michael Ericson August 23, 2016 at 7:53pm
  
  I do considering what's out there
Bart August 23, 2016 at 3:50pm

1 year deal at best....bit of back up nothing more.
Tin Tim August 23, 2016 at 3:51pm

No to Benji, no to Walsh, I don't see the point. We have Robbo & Forgety why chase a 29yr old. These players plus Norman will see us travel through to 2018 when a few top young halves come into the market.