New Bradford recruit leaves club to return to Australia

Josh McAllister
Championship Mark Dunning Bradford Bulls Ben Blackmore Dalton Desmond-Walker

New Bradford recruit Dalton Desmond-Walker has left the club to return to Australia.

The forward spent the last three seasons with Keighley, winning promotion to the Championship in 2022.

He joined Bradford on dual-registration during last campaign, featuring for the Reserves side as well as in the World Cup warm-up fixture against Greece.

He had signed a one-year deal with the Bulls for the 2023 campaign, but has decided to return home to Australia.

Desmond-Walker first featured for West Wales Raiders in League 1, before linking up with Keighley. He shared his decision to return home via social media earlier this week.

Dalton Desmond-Walker returns to Australia

He wrote: “January 8 2017, Wales, to December 28th 2022, Manchester. 1815 days away from Sydney, Australia and five rugby league seasons in League 1. I got to play for a few clubs here.

“I’ve visited countless of European countries and made memories I’ll cherish forever. I’ve won a trophy here and played international footy here and explored almost every part of the UK!

“It might be strange but I’m leaving the UK as I arrived, alone and in a hotel with a suitcase and not really sure on the next 1815 days ahead. I left home at 24 and called Great Britain home until now as a 29-year-old.

“Thank you. I love you. Goodbye.”

Keighley added in a statement: “Everyone here at the Keighley Cougars would like to wish Dalton Desmond-Walker all the best after he made the decision to return home to Australia.

“Thank you for your contributions during the three years you were with us at Cougar Park, Dalts!”

More League 1 content

Brett Ferres joins Doncaster for 2023 season

Dutch star Joran Schoenmaker signs pro deal with North Wales Crusaders

West Wales Raiders withdraw from League 1

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast