Former St Helens halfback still playing despite being told to medically retire four years ago as he is linked with new club
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Greenwood/BPI/Shutterstock 5659313q Luke Walsh during the First Utility Super League match between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos played at Langtree Park, St Helens on April 22nd 2016 First Utility Super League 2016 St Helens v Leeds Rhinos Langtree Park, St. Helens, United Kingdom - 22 Apr 2016 First Utility Super League 2016 St Helens v Leeds Rhinos Langtree Park, St. Helens, United Kingdom - 22 Apr 2016 PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xPaulxGreenwood/BPI/Shutterstockx 5659313q
After making 148 NRL appearances at the Newcastle Knights and the Penrith Panthers, Luke Walsh was seen as a vital signing for St Helens going into 2014.
The club hadn’t won a trophy since 2008 or a Grand Final since 2006. They’d also failed to finish inside the top two since 2011.
Thus, the 2014 campaign felt like a watershed moment for the club and Walsh was set to be key to firing them back to glory and that initially seemed the case as he started brilliantly and had St Helens cruising.
But injuries would deny him a starring role as the Saints should tremendous grit and determination to plough ahead to Grand Final glory in his absence.
After three injury hit seasons averaging around 18 appearances per season which is around half the total fixtures on offer when you consider cup games as well, he joined Catalans Dragons for a two year spell but would miss out on their Challenge Cup Final win as he retired medically due to medical advice.
However, the halfback kept playing the game just at a lower level in the Newcastle Rugby League first grade competition starring for Central Charlestown Butcher Boys.
However, according to the Newcastle Herald, the Northern Hawks are chasing the former St Helens halfback who is a two time player of the year in the league and still going strong at 35.