New Queensland halfback Sam Walker is one of the smallest players in the NRL, but his history reveals that he is also one of the most resilient.
Walker is 78kg wringing wet, but his durability to play through a grade-two AC joint injury in his debut season in 2021 proved he is far from wet behind the ears.
The injury usually keeps players out for at least four to six weeks, but 22 needles in 21 games got Walker through.
The 23-year-old will play his first State of Origin match on May 27 in Sydney with a Maroons-tough history that has him in good stead for the cauldron.
Sam's father Ben Walker, who enjoyed a wonderful NRL career, has shed light on his son's mettle with a recollection of his debut year for Sydney Roosters.