‘A happy player is usually a dangerous player’ – Warrington hooker commits future

Warrington hooker Danny Walker has signed a new long-term deal to keep him at his hometown club until the end of 2026.

Walker, 23, is an ever-present for the Wolves this season and made his England debut in the recent international against France at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

He said: “It’s an exciting time for the club and I want to continue to be a part of it.

“I’m delighted to get it all confirmed now, keep working hard and focus on the future. It’s a proud moment for my family as well as myself.

“I’m enjoying my rugby at the minute and playing with a smile on my face. A happy player is usually a dangerous player. Hopefully I can keep improving over the next few months and years.”

Warrington’s future at hooker

Walker has more than staked his claim for the number nine shirt at Warrington, as speculation grows over the future of out of contract incumbent Daryl Clark.

Clark is being heavily linked with a move to St Helens, with Warrington believed to have offered him a deal to remain at the club. The length of the deal is thought to be a sticking point, while Saints are in the market for a hooker with the expected retirement of legend James Roby at the end of the year.

Clark, who has made 224 appearances for the Wolves, has been a cornerstone to the Warrington side since arriving from Castleford ahead of the 2015 season, but Walker has started to grow into prominence in recent seasons.

Walker came through the academy at Widnes and made his Super League debut for them in 2017, moving on to Warrington when they were relegated at the end of 2018.

He waited patiently for chances at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, but made 23 appearances last season including eight starts.

So far in 2023, Walker has started in five of the 11 games, and scored a try starting at hooker for England against France.

Coach Daryl Powell said: “Danny has been in phenomenal form since the start of the season.

“Our middle unit has been troubled with injuries and suspensions which has required Danny to show how tough he is with several 80 minute efforts.

“Alongside the growth of his leadership skills, he has become a high-quality all-round hooker. I’m delighted he has agreed to extend his deal and I look forward to seeing his continued growth as a player and leader at our club.”

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