Boss Brad Arthur has outlined the qualities he believes Australian ace Dylan Walker will bring to Leeds Rhinos next season.

The former Australia Test and New South Wales State of Origin representative has signed a three-year deal with Rhinos beginning in 2027. Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today, ahead of Saturday’s game at Catalans Dragons, Arthur admitted he isn’t sure yet what role the 31-year-old will play, but insisted he will add vital experience to the squad.

Walker, who has played 268 times in the southern hemisphere NRL, is ever-present for Parramatta Eels this year and Arthur said: “We are losing a few of the boys and we needed to get some more experience. We have got a lot of young guys in our squad we want to be able to promote; we don’t want to block too many pathways and we feel like we haven’t, but it is important for their development to keep a fair level of experience.

“He has got plenty of that and I think he will be a good addition to our team. He competes hard, he is ultra-reliable and you know what you are going to get from him every time he pulls the boots on. He is tough and gritty, has got a fair level of skill and can cover quite a few spots.

Leeds Rhinos signing Dylan Walker offloads the ball during Parramatta Eels' round 13 NRL fixture at Newcastle Knights on May 30 this year. Picture by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images.

placeholder image — Leeds Rhinos signing Dylan Walker offloads the ball during Parramatta Eels' round 13 NRL fixture at Newcastle Knights on May 30 this year. Picture by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images.

“We have said we are going to give young George Brown every opportunity at six next year and what Dylan does is give us that experience to help Browny, but also coverage as well.

“If he had to, he could go in the halves, if we got an injury or two. That’s not where we are bringing him to play, but he adds a bit of depth.”

Arthur pledged he remains keen to bring through Rhinos’ next generation of talent. “I love giving young guys an opportunity, but we have to make sure when we do it is the right time and it’s not short-lived,” he added.

“It is important what we put around them. If they can come on to the field and focus just on doing their job and their job only because we’ve got experienced guys around them, that certainly helps. That’s where the experience is important, for the development of our younger players.”

George Brown remains in pole position to be Leeds Rhinos' number six next year, despite the signing of Australian star Dylan Walker. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Walker can play at centre, in the halves or loose-forward, but Arthur said his position for Leeds is yet to be decided. “He will be in the 17, but I have got no idea [where], to tell you the truth,” he revealed.

“Probably more in the middle, but whether that’s starting or on the bench, who knows? We have got Pres [Presley Cassell] who we want in that 17 as well, but the good thing about it is everyone was worried about us losing a couple of players, now we’ve signed someone and now everyone’s worried about how we’re going to fit [him in], so I’ll take that as a positive.

“We are going to have a good team next year, but right now I am worried about the team that’s running out this week and what they can do for us.”

Despite excitement over Walker’s signing, Arthur is keen not to think too much about plans for next year at this stage. He stressed: “He will suit how we want to play and we want to bring in boys who can enhance our environment and play the style of footy we are playing at the moment. We feel like he will be a good fit, but that’s next year - we have still got plenty of work to do now.”