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Reds in hunt for Walker
By Peter Jenkins
November 19, 2006
DUAL international Andrew Walker is negotiating with Queensland Reds to play Super 14 next year - just two months after launching his comeback from a drugs suspension in France.
Queensland coach Eddie Jones confirmed last night that moves were underway to bring home the once-troubled star and resurrect his Australian career at the age of 32.
Walker turned his back on an earlier offer from the Reds to sign in July with French second-division club Gaellac, a wine-making town near Toulose in the country's south-west.
But he was only cleared to resume playing in September after serving out a two-year ban imposed for a positive test to cocaine following an NRL match with Manly.
It is understood Walker, who signed a one-year deal worth close to $200,000 with Gaellac, is keen to head back home with his wife and four children if he can thrash out an early release and come to terms with Queensland.
"We are definitely chatting to him," Jones told The Sunday Telegraph. "There is a possibility of him coming back.
"The French club want him to stay, he's done particularly well for them. But we're certainly hopeful something can be sorted out."
Jones said Walker would be considered for a wing spot if he was able to free himself from his offshore commitments and make a run at Queensland selection for the Super 14 series that kicks off in February.
The Reds have lost the experience of Elton Flatley and Julian Huxley from last year's playing roster but have lured former Canberra Raiders captain Clinton Schifcofske from league and are now targeting Walker.
Chasing the gifted utility back is nothing new for Jones. After Walker went to league for eight seasons in 1992, Jones signed him for a successful stint with the ACT Brumbies.
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