Chris Walker
told consequences of a bad season

Roosters winger Chris Walker has been told this season shapes as one that will make or break him and one foot out of line will spell the end of his erratic career.

Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has been working hard with Walker all off-season and the former Maroons winger has had his future clearly spelt out for him.

Walker has had a number of distracting off-field issues to deal with and with the help of Stuart, Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan and his close-knit family in Queensland, the club is confident Walker will be at his best on and off the field this year.

"Chris knows that this year is his last year on contract and he knows he is in the position of playing for a renewal," Stuart said.

"He has started the off-season off very well in regard to his application to training and his commitment to discipline.

"This year is as significant a year for Chris's career as what he wants to make it."

Walker is so focused on getting on with the job of playing good football this year, he has refused numerous requests for interviews.

He faces stiffcompetition to retain his position in the Roosters top 17 this year, with the arrival of Amos Roberts and Joel Monaghan.

Stuart admits the speedy winger has to deal with more issues than most other NRL players.

"There is an unfair perception from the public about what sort of a bloke Chris Walker is," Stuart said.

"Let me say this, if he was half as bad as the perception that exists of him out there, he wouldn't be at this club.

"Chris is a good bloke and he comes from a very good family. Whenever we ask players for help with promotions, he is always the first to put up his hand. He is great with children and very popular with the kids.

"He is an exceptional attacking player capable of scoring freakish tries other players can't and we have been working hard on his defensive structure in the off-season."