Storm signs Chris Walker from
Sydney Roosters

Melbourne Storm has further strengthened their squad for the 2006 season with the signing of experienced centre Chris Walker for 12 months from the Sydney Roosters.

Walker?s talent can not be ignored having won NRL premierships with the Broncos and represented Queensland in State-of-Origin on six occasions.

With the loss of Steven Bell to Manly and Josh Graham to the Western Reds in the Super 14 competition, the signing of an outside back had become a priority for the Storm.

?We needed another outside back that we knew could play first grade,? said Storm coach Craig Bellamy.

?We thought we were one short there.?

Melbourne Storm football operations manager Peter O?Sullivan knows the quality a player like Walker can bring to a young squad like the Storm?s.

?Chris obviously has been a high quality first grader and State-Of-Origin player in the past so we?re going to give him a chance to rekindle his career,? said O?Sullivan.

Walker was only too happy to sign for the Storm once he heard they were interested, especially given the chance he could play again for one of his former coaches.

?Being able to join forces with Craig Bellamy again after spending time with him at the Broncos was a major factor for me coming to Melbourne,? said Walker.

?The fact that it gives me an opportunity to concentrate solely on rugby league without the added pressure of living in the rugby league fishbowl in Sydney will only help me get back to playing at the level I have in the past.

?I?m excited about the group of guys down here. The coaching staff and the whole place gave me a good vibe.?

It seems Bellamy has the same faith in Walker that Walker has in him.

?If he plays well for us he?ll be a real asset,? said Bellamy.