Marlins Reel In Monster Rookie

Illawarra Mercury

Friday April 4, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

FORMER Corrimal junior Matt Walker will make his Jim Beam Cup debut for the Shellharbour Marlins in tonight's meeting with Mt Pritchard at Ron Costello Oval.

One of several off-season recruits, Walker has been named in Shellharbour coach Dave Walsh's 17-man team after being overlooked for last week's season-opening 42-4 loss to Belrose.

At 190cm and 115kg, the 18-year-old was a member of St George Illawarra's SG Ball side last year and is the biggest player in the entire Marlins squad. Fast and strong, he is equally comfortable in the centres or back row.

"I'm really looking forward to it, especially after not playing at all last week," Walker said.

"I was dropped by the Dragons and I left Corrimal because I really wanted to play a higher grade of footy, so I'm really happy to be selected in the 17. I'll probably come off the bench and Walshy's given me a couple of pointers on what to expect.

"It's been a short turnaround from last Sunday, but none of the boys were happy with last week's result and we want to put it behind us."

Walsh has made five changes and is hopeful of adding a couple of St George Illawarra lower graders.

"Nothing's confirmed, but there's a good chance we'll get a few of the Dragons boys dropping back to us," he said.

"We were down on everything last week and we need to come up with a much more polished performance right across the park.

"The boys were a bit quiet at training this week so hopefully they're building up to something special on Friday night."

Kick-off is at 8pm.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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