Ryan Walker

Ryan Walker is an Australian rugby league footballer whose career spans the NRL, state competitions and prominent Indigenous rugby league events. He made his first-grade debut for the Penrith Panthers in 2011, scoring a try across three appearances, after earlier success with junior clubs including the Maclean Magpies and Casino Cougars. His senior career also included seasons with the Sunshine Coast Falcons and Maitland Pickers, as well as strong performances in the Newcastle Rugby League.

Walker is widely recognised for his achievements and leadership in Indigenous rugby league. In 2017 he was named man of the tournament at the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout after guiding the Newcastle Yowies to victory, one of the most significant community sporting events for Aboriginal people in New South Wales. He also earned selection in the First Nations Goannas squad for the Festival of Indigenous Rugby League, scoring a try against the New Zealand Māori in their representative clash.

In interviews, Walker has spoken openly about his journey through professional sport, reflecting that he “didn’t really believe that I belonged” in the NRL at the time and wishing he had pushed himself harder, while also valuing the life he built beyond elite football. Today, he balances work, family and continued involvement in regional rugby league, including leadership roles that support community clubs and younger players.

Ryan Walker is the older brother of Cody Walker, a celebrated South Sydney Rabbitohs playmaker and prominent Aboriginal athlete, highlighting a strong family legacy within the game.