Former Hull FC centre joins new club ahead of 2024 campaign

Former Hull FC centre Marcus Walker has joined Championship club Dewsbury Rams ahead of the 2024 season after leaving Newcastle Thunder.

The twenty one year old centre, who made twenty-three appearances for Newcastle Thunder in 2023, started his career at Hull FC in the first-team and reserve team before a spell on loan in Whitehaven in 2022.

Upon signing Walker said, “I’m really excited at the opportunity that I’ve got here at Dewsbury, hopefully I can develop further as a player and build on the skills I’ve gained over the past couple of years. I feel like I’ve got a lot to show this year and I’m looking forward to it.”

Head Coach Dale Ferguson said, “I’m really pleased to have Marcus on board, he’s a really skilful centre, who’s got a great pair of hands and with his athleticism and power, he’ll be a big presence on the edge for us.”

He could partner one of the club’s cult heroes in the shape of Perry Whitely who has extended his stay.

The thirty-year-old winger, who featured sixteen times for the Rams in 2023, will enter his second season with the club after signing ahead of the 2023 season. He scored ten tries last year, including a four-try-haul against Cornwall RLFC in April.

Upon re-signing Whiteley said, “I’m very happy to be staying at Dewsbury and being a part of the group for next season and I’m looking forward to building on what we did last season, under Fergie.”

Head Coach Dale Ferguson said, “Perry’s a big returner of the ball for us, he gets us going on the front foot with every carry that he takes and he’s really good under the high ball. He’s works really well with the young lads so I’m looking forward to seeing him progress through pre-season.”

He will also have a familiar face in the squad with former Hull FC and Castleford Tigers halfback Jacob Hookem joining the club.

Upon signing Hookem said, “I’m really looking forward to pre-season and meeting all the lads for the first time. From playing against them last year I know how much the team mean to the fans and I’m looking forward to playing in front of them for 2024.”

Head Coach Dale Ferguson said, “I’m very excited to have got him signed up for next year, he’s a very talented young player who’s hungry to succeed. We all saw how good he can be in the game at Midlands, where he was one of the best players on the park, so it’s great that he’s with us for 2024.”