Pat Walker comes out of retirement for Hunslet

Experienced stand-off Pat Walker has come out of retirement to join his nephew Jackson at League 1 club Hunslet.

Walker, 36, hung up his boots in 2019 after making more than 300 appearances for Dewsbury, Sheffield and Batley.

He was an ever present for Sheffield in his final season in 2019 and now returns to the professional ranks.

Walker said: “I’ve continued to turn out in charity games since retiring. But my return to the professional ranks has been prompted by Hunslet’s recent signing on loan of my nephew, Jackson Walker; while my brother James enjoyed a few seasons at the South Leeds Stadium.

“When the Parksiders found out that I’m Jackson’s uncle head coach Alan Kilshaw checked out whether I’d be interested in signing, and the approach whetted my appetite. I’ve missed playing over the last three years. You’re a long time retired, so it was an opportunity I didn’t waste any time pondering about.

“It’s good to be back. I can certainly bring something to the cause, helping guide the many talented young players in the squad around the park. It’ll be about being vocal on the field of play as much as anything.”

A regular goalkicker, Walker had racked up 1,838 points in his career to date.

He came through the ranks at Dewsbury Moor and played amateur rugby league with Shaw Cross Sharks, before turning professional with Dewsbury.

Coach Alan Kilshaw added: “We have been speaking to Patch for a few weeks now and I’m delighted to have got him to the end of the season at least,” says Kilshaw, adding, “a player of his experience and quality in the halves is a real rarity at the moment.

“When I learned he was having itchy feet in his retirement I didn’t hesitate to try and sell the club to him. He is a Championship quality