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\n Representatives of the 18 teams competing in the Men’s and Women’s Rugby League World Cups assembled on Saturday.
\n \u00a9NRL Photos
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Kangaroos rookie Sam Walker has set his sights on IRL Rugby League World Cup glory as he looks to stamp his place among the game\u2019s elite playmakers.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old made his Queensland debut during this year’s State of Origin series, led the Roosters to the NRL premiership and has now turned his focus to starring for his country.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been a whirlwind 12 months for a player long viewed as a future star, Walker overcoming a number of serious injuries earlier in his career to deliver on his potential.<\/p>\n
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Walker shines on debut<\/p>\n
Talking at Saturday\u2019s World Cup Fan Fest, Walker acknowledged it all came together better than expected this season but declared he\u2019s not done yet.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe three goals you have when you\u2019re growing up are to play NRL, play Origin and play for Australia,\u201d Walker told NRL.com. \u201cTo be able to tick them off is pretty special and I\u2019m excited to represent my country and my family.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf someone told me at the start of the year I would be in this position, I would have called him crazy. They\u2019re the goals you dream of and to achieve it this year is very special.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce it\u2019s all over I\u2019ll be able to sit back and reflect on some fond memories but right now I\u2019ve got a job to do and that\u2019s to win the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker finds himself in a four-way battle for a spot in the halves for Australia\u2019s World Cup opener against the Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
The Queenslander is jostling for position with Maroons halves partner Cameron Munster, North Queensland\u2019s Tom Dearden and Parramatta\u2019s Mitchell Moses.<\/p>\n
Just the fact Walker is in the squad is a near miracle given he underwent ankle surgery in late August.<\/p>\n
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The playmaker made an unexpected return to the field four weeks later in the Roosters preliminary final victory before playing a key role in his side\u2019s grand final triumph.<\/p>\n
Having played alongside a number of his Kangaroos teammates during the Origin campaign, Walker will draw on that experience throughout the next month.<\/p>\n
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Sam Walker with a finals masterclass!<\/p>\n
\u201cI learned a lot from that Queensland team,\u201d Walker said. \u201cI got that representative experience and saw what it\u2019s all about.<\/p>\n
\u201cI learnt how to prepare for those games, they\u2019re slightly different to regular season NRL games. I\u2019ll use that experience over the next couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Walker has benefited this season from playing behind a pack led by star prop Naufahu Whyte, however the pair will line up on opposing sides on Thursday night.<\/p>\n
The Kiwis boast one of the best forward packs in international rugby league, Whyte joined up front by James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Joe Tapine and Erin Clark.<\/p>\n
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Whyte just keeps getting better<\/p>\n
Fisher-Harris, Whyte and Clark were recently named in the Dally M Team of the Year and Walker is bracing for a physical challenge at Allianz Stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cNaufahu\u2019s been unbelievable,\u201d Walker said. \u201cHe\u2019s a leader of our forward pack at the Roosters and I\u2019m hoping he avoids me and runs more towards the middles.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know how proud he is of his culture and heritage. He\u2019ll be going in there and giving it his all, just like I will be. It will be a really good battle.\u201d<\/p>\n