Off-contract Walker to put family first

Dylan Walker is backing himself to earn another NRL deal by continuing his form as a ball-playing middle forward after a positional switch reignited his passion last season.

Walker inked a one-year extension with Manly in November and while he is settled on Sydney's Northern Beaches, the 27-year-old utility will keep his options open.

The 163-gamer believes he can perform for several more NRL campaigns and isn't looking overseas.

He suffered an ankle injury in Friday night's 18-16 trial loss to Canberra but is expected to be fit for the Sea Eagle's season-opening clash with premiers Penrith on March 10.

"It was just a good time for me to do a one-year (deal), see how it goes with football," Walker told AAP.

"I've got two little ones, so I've got to think about family first and where we want to be.

"We're very happy; my partner loves the beaches and the kids love the water.

"Manly's been great to me ... No discussions have happened, so for me it's just (about) enjoying my football."

Walker is relishing a new lease on life on the field after finding a niche as an interchange lock.

A former centre and five-eighth, Walker's agility and playmaking nous has made him a great fit for a role that has become more prevalent with the NRL's increase in game speed.

"I fell in love with the game through there again," Walker said, admitting that when he was first moved to the bench he wasn't all that happy about not starting.

"It's just something that I've really enjoyed doing ... trying to be a facilitator for our halves and whatnot out the back. For me moving forward, that's the position I'd like to play.

"I know Jakey (Trbojevic) plays it really well (starting at lock), but it's just added a different dynamic to our team. I'm very