Dylan Walker says he's always the 'scapegoat' for hapless Manly team's problems
Makeshift fullback Dylan Walker says he's always the "scapegoat" for Manly's problems - yet is hoping for another chance at No.1 and a new contract.
The maligned star has filled in for the injured Tom Trbojevic to start the season and has been a mixed bag amid a winless run.
He provided a lowlight last Thursday in a 46-6 loss to Penrith, swiped aside by Panthers star Viliame Kikau on his way to the tryline.
Walker, a centre/five-eighth who never played fullback as a junior, said that he copped a cork during the game. He wants another shot at No.1 when the Sea Eagles face the Warriors on Friday in Gosford.
Makeshift Manly fullback Dylan Walker has his shorts pulled down during a home loss to Penrith. Getty
"I think I'll be there [at fullback] again, unless Dessie has other plans," Walker said, per The Sydney Morning Herald.
"When you leak 40 points you can't blame it on the one person. But I always seem to be the scapegoat.
"Over the years with how things have panned out on and off the field, my name is a good one to throw up.
"And now being out of position ... if we're 2-2 right now, people would be like, 'He's not a bad fullback', but because we've been beaten by 40 every week, people are like, 'He's the problem'.
"I won't sit here and play the violin about myself. I know what we have to do as a team."
Walker said that he was "optimistic" about getting a new contract for next season and beyond, and hoped to remain at Manly.
