Highly decorated NRL utility Dylan Walker will join NZ Warriors on a three-year contract, starting next season.
Walker, 27, who has made 162 appearances for South Sydney and Manly, has played for Māori All-Stars against Indigenous over the past three years, and achieved representative status for New South Wales and Australia.
He won an NRL championship with the Rabbitohs in 2014 and is currently on contract with the Sea Eagles, where he plays primarily centre, but has also covered at fullback and half.
"He has proven himself among the competition's best and most consistent players over the last two seasons, a player very much on top of his game," says Warriors football general manager Craig Hodges.
"He's a high-quality centre, who can also play in the halves, at fullback and fill a role in the middle, if required. Dylan's going to bring so much to our side from next season."
Walker has a checkered record off the field, where he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his partner in 2018 and suspended indefinitely by the NRL, before charges were dismissed. Last year, he pleaded guilty to two charges of assault, but avoided conviction and received an 18-month conditional release.
The Warriors have already begun signing players for next season, with Cronulla half Luke Metcalf and Parramatta forward Marata Niukore confirmed to join the Auckland-based club.
"Signing Dylan is a terrific boost for us, as we build and improve our roster for next season and beyond," says Warriors chief executive Cameron George. "Along with our other major signings for 2023 and on, he will lend experience as well as adding hugely to our depth."
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