Banjo Walker grew up in Clermont watching Jonathan Thurston, and it’s not hard to see the influence. The fullback plays with flair and an understanding that nothing comes easy — a lesson the game taught him early and one he carries into every session.
His standout junior memory is a schoolboys grand final comeback, his team behind with eight minutes left and finding a way to win. That kind of moment sticks with you.

Away from the field, Banjo is a hunter and fisherman at heart — a kid from Central Queensland who knows how to make the most of the outdoors. Maccas after the game, Jay-Z’s Run This Town to get him going, and perfect socks and shoelaces before the whistle. His best advice ever received? Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. He’s got the right idol for it.

#OnTheField

Position: Fullback

Junior Club: Clermont

What’s your first memory playing rugby league? Playing Under 6s early in the morning.

Who introduced you to the game? My parents.

Career Highlight: School football — winning a Confro grand final.

Pre-Game Ritual/Superstition: Socks and shoelaces have to be perfect.

Most Memorable Game: Schoolboys local grand final — comeback win with 8 minutes left.

What’s Your Personal Goal for the year? To make my Q-Cup debut.

What’s the biggest lesson footy has taught you? Nothing comes easy.

What advice would you give to young players starting out in footy? Just have fun.

 

#OffTheField

If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be? A carpenter.

Childhood Hero: Jonathan Thurston.

Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Run This Town — Jay-Z.

Hobbies: Hunting and fishing.

Favourite Post-Game Meal: Maccas.

Favourite Sports Team (Outside Rugby League): Brisbane Heat.

Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

Favourite Holiday Destination: Fiji.

Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: Melbourne Storm.

Dream Player You’d Love to Play With: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

 

#CaprasTop3

Game Day Snacks: Muesli bar, lollies, apple.

Movies of All Time: Red Dog.

Meals: Butter chicken, chicken parmi, carbonara.

Sporting Idols: Jonathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Michael Morgan.

Bucket List Destinations: Canada, New York, Maldives.

Things You Can’t Live Without: Music, good food, mates.

Worst Drills at Training: Anything fitness.

Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Getting dacked.

 

#TeamTalk

Who is the team pest? Liam.

Who is always late to training? Mataio.

Who takes the longest to get ready? Mataio.

Who would you not want to be stuck on a desert island with? Mataio.

Who is the best dressed on the team? Radean.

Who is the worst dressed on the team? Zac.

Who is the biggest joker on the team? Trey.