Championship outfit Oldham have confirmed the signing of former Leeds Rhinos, Hull FC and Salford Red Devils full-back Jack Walker.
Walker joins the club on a one-year deal running until the end of the 2026 season and it brings an end to what has been a turbulent period for him. The 26-year-old spent the final weeks of the 2025 season with Salford, where he made four appearances and caught the eye.
And, despite their uncertain situation, the club reached an agreement with Walker for 2026, securing his services before being relegated from Super League. That agreement collapsed in December when the Red Devils lost their battle with HMRC and were put into liquidation.
He has been looking for a new club ever since and with just over a week to go until the start of the new Championship season, he has signed with ambitious outfit Oldham for the new season.
Oldham had been short of a first choice full-back after Ryan Brierley’s decision to hang up his boots and become the CEO at the phoenix Salford club, and Walker can be expected to take on that mantle with the Roughyeds, who have recently added Alan Kilshaw to their coaching ranks as an assistant.
“I’m really excited, Oldham finishing fourth last year which showed it is a quality side, so hopefully I can add to that this year,” Walker told Roughyeds TV.
“I’m always keen to learn – there are some quality players here and that’s what made me sign. I think we will be challenging for the top.”
He added: “I am looking forward to getting back into that rugby environment.
“I think it will be a tough season, but I can’t see why we can’t go all the way. It will take me a little time to adjust but once we connect and click it will look good on the field.
“I do still feel like a Super League player. I put my best foot forward at the back and of last season with Salford so I hope I can bring some value to the team and we can have a successful 2026.”
Walker started his career with Leeds Rhinos and after winning the 2017 Grand Final in his first season as a first-teamer, he went on to play 75 times for the Yorkshire outfit. He joined Bradford Bulls briefly in 2023 before spending the rest of the season with Hull KR.
He joined Hull FC in 2024 before spending the majority of the 2025 campaign on a rolling contract with Sheffield Eagles in the Championship.
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