Hull FC utility back Marcus Walker makes short-term loan move

Whitehaven RL have confirmed the loan signing of Hull FC utility back Marcus Walker ahead of Saturday’s AB Sundecks 1895 Cup fixture vs Sheffield Eagles. 

Walker who is equally at home at full back, centre or in the halves will become a part of Haven’s squad for the next few weeks after last weekend securing the game winning score for Hull’s reserves over Castleford Tigers playing at centre.

19 year old Walker has made one appearance for the senior team in the Super League so far away to Catalans Dragons in Round 19 last August.

Head coach Jonty Gorley spoke of Walker joining up with the squad saying “With the injury to Alex Bishop, I’ve felt the need to move Karl Dixon to half back.

“With this and Chris Taylor likely to be out for a lengthy spell, we need cover in the outside backs. Marcus Walker will give us this cover, I spoke to Hull FC coach Brett Hodgson who said Marcus is a talented centre, who he’s hoping will thrive in the Championship with us.

Director and member of the club’s football committee Ashley Kilpatrick has been working tirelessly over the last two weeks alongside Jonty Gorley.

Director of rugby Gary Charlton spoke of Walker’s signing saying: “As a club we would just like to thank Hull FC in particular James clark & Brett Hodgson for agreeing to let Marcus join us for the next month, I’d also like to thank Jack Sutton who has been a massive help in making it happen also.

“Marcus is a great young lad after speaking to him before his move here, he’s got a squad number at Hull FC he’s played in their pre-season games and made his debut away to Catalans last season he had a good game that day and stood up well there isn’t much tougher places to make your debut in Super League.

“A huge thing for Marcus is he is coming to live here in Whitehaven for the next month while he is here and is going to be helping out with our development link up with Hull FC he will be linking up with Lee Crooks, Nikau Williams & Will Evans in doing this.

“Again I’d really like to thank all three Super League clubs Huddersfield, Wigan & Hull FC and the guys involved.

“Andy Kelly & Ian Watson at Huddersfield, Matty Peet & Darrell Goulding at Wigan as well as James Clark & Brett Hodgson at Hull.

“They have answered our calls in a time of need and injury crisis for us and as a club we are truly grateful for the help and it really is appreciated by us all.”