Brothers in the same team is not something that happens often but it is something that may well happen at Hull KR next season, with Jonathan Walker signing a 3-year deal with the Rovers, joining the club from the Castleford Tigers.
Walker, 22, is a front-rower and first turned heads when he delivered some stellar performances off the bench for Castleford, with the young prop looking forward to the move to Hull KR and the friendly competition between his brother.
“I first heard of Hull KR’s interest a couple of months ago and spoke to my brother, and Jake Webster, about the club,†he said.
“They both had nothing but good things to say about the place and every time I spoke with Adam last season, all he talked about was how much he enjoys it at Hull KR.
“I’ve watched him progress, play plenty of minutes and really enjoy his rugby and it’s something which I aspire to as well. As brothers, we are competitive and I think playing together will help to drive us on even more and improve our games. Playing for the same club is something we’ve always wanted to do so to get this opportunity is great and one that I’m really looking forward to.â€
His brother is not the only familiar face for Walker, with Hull KR’s assistant coach Chris Chester another big reason behind his move to Hull KR, with the two having previously worked together for Scotland.
“Chris is someone I get on really well with and I worked with him when he was involved with Scotland,†he continued.
“He was one of the decisive factors in me coming to Hull KR, as was Craig. Everyone I have spoken to speaks highly of him and I’m sure he’ll help to improve my game as he has with my brother.â€
For the club, they are excited to have a young, budding forward join their ranks and look forward to what Walker can do at their club.
“Jonathan is a young, British player with his best years in front of him and I know that Craig (Sandercock) and Chris (Chester) are looking forward to working with him. Not only is he a talent on the pitch, he also has the type of character that we’re looking for here at Hull Kingston Rovers,” said Rovers CEO Mike Smith.
“We’ve always said that when you sign a player you need to be sure that they fit into the culture of the club and the squad and Jonathan fits that bill. He’s excited about joining us and I’m sure our supporters are looking forward to seeing him link up with Adam, who was one of our stand-out players last season.
“Jonathan is the latest piece in the jigsaw that we’re creating for 2014 and we believe we’ll have a squad which will be very competitive. Hopefully the supporters share that belief as well and will come out and support us next season.â€