Injury-hit Chev Walker draws inspiration from longevity of Steve Menzies

Walker, 29, joined Bradford a year ago on a 12-month contract but made little more than ten appearances in another injury-ravaged season.

The former Leeds and Hull KR centre missed the whole of the 2010 campaign with a badly-broken leg, tore a pectoral muscle in his third match for the Bulls at Crusaders in February and then broke a bone in his foot in the Challenge Cup tie against Halifax in May.

Yet his quality has never been in doubt and his versatility could give Mick Potter’s new-look squad a major boost next season.

Walker signed a new one-year deal in September and says the success of Menzies, who enjoyed two years with the Bulls in 2009 and 2010, has encouraged hopes of similar longevity in his own career.

Former Australia international Menzies turns 38 in December but he recently penned a new contract with Catalan Dragons for 2012 that will make him the oldest player ever to appear in Super League.

Menzies also made the 2011 Super League Dream Team and Walker said: “You look at Steve Menzies and he’s an inspiration for me really.

“I don’t know him personally but I’ve been told he’s a great bloke and he obviously looks after himself extremely well.

“He’s been awesome at all the clubs he’s played for and I’d like to take a leaf out of his book and try and emulate him.

“Steve’s nearly ten years older than me and yet he’s still playing. He has shown what can be achieved with hard work, desire and dedication.”

Although ostensibly a centre, Walker is capable of playing in the second row and the arrival of Adrian Purtell and Keith Lulia will increase competition for places in his favoured position.

Walker said: “I prefer playing centre because that’s a position that comes naturally to me.

“And while I wouldn’t class myself as a squad player, the squad and the club comes before myself.

“So wherever Mick wants me to play, that’s where I’ll be working hard to get in and perform.”