Dylan Walker punched a door while Manly teammate Api Koroisau broke through one as the pair forced their way into contention for the 2016 Frownlow Medal.
Walker recently damaged his hand on the front door of the flat he shares with Koroisau, who illegally entered a property in Bondi earlier this year, in a bold attempt to take home Australia’s most prestigious inter-code award.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. The first medal was awarded to Sydney Roosters and New Zealand representative Shaun Kenny-Dowall in 2015.
The Frownlow Medal Hall of Fame honours players who received media attention in previous seasons, for similarly scandalous behaviour, and its inductees include Ben Cousins and Todd Carney.
Walker’s outburst earned him his second nomination after abusing prescription medication in 2015, as well as four weeks on the side line and a $10000 fine from the Sea Eagles.
There is, so far, no proof of collusion or planning between the flat mates, although both conceded that the high standard of entries provided great motivation for their actions, as well as the chance to salvage something for Manly this season.
Koroisau will continue to play for the embattled Sea Eagles, but Walker’s damaged hand will prevent him performing some routine actions.
“Now Api has to control the remote so I can watch Origin 3.” he said.
First published in July 2016.
Image: Nuna
The Frownlow Medal 