Chris Walker: Ex-NRL player's family speaks of ‘significant challenges’
Former NRL star Chris Walker's family has spoken out after he was charged with multiple offences and released on bail following his Gold Coast arrest.
The family of Chris Walker has rallied behind the former NRL star after he was charged with multiple offences.
The 46-year-old has been granted bail on strict conditions after spending two nights in custody following his weekend arrest on the Gold Coast.
His brother - ex-NRL player Ben Walker - on Tuesday threw his support behind his sibling, saying the former Queensland State of Origin flyer faced “significant personal challenges”.
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“I acknowledge the seriousness of the charges laid against Chris and the gravity of the situation,” Ben Walker said in a statement to AAP.
“He’s been facing significant personal challenges for some time and I hope he recognises the importance of seeking professional help.”
Walker was arrested on Saturday after officers attended a Currumbin Waters address about 5.50pm, police said.
He was later charged with using a carriage service to menace or harass, unlawful stalking, wilful damage and three counts of assault.
“Right now we’re focused on giving as much support as we can (to Chris Walker’s partner and children),” Ben Walker said.
“They’re beautiful people and much-loved members of our family.”
Chris Walker did not respond to the media outside Southport Magistrates Court when asked about the charges after he was released on bail on Monday.
The livewire winger played 151 NRL games and scored 81 tries between 1999 and 2011, along with six matches for Queensland.
He also made headlines off the field during his career following alcohol-related incidents.
In May 2004, the then-Sydney Roosters winger was charged with assaulting and obstructing police along with being a public nuisance in the early hours of the morning after breaking curfew at a Queensland Origin team camp.
He was sacked by the Maroons and never played for them again.
In April 2007, Walker was with the Gold Coast Titans when he was involved in an altercation with a patron in an alcohol-related nightclub incident.
He was fined 25 per cent of his Titans contract and banned from training for two months by the club while he entered a rehabilitation program.
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