Probably had a massive impact given how many reps we would have put in with him there during pre-season. Clark and Vaimauga wouldn't have had as many reps ball-playing, so imagine they were getting them in as the season progressed.
It may have also helped Boyd (in particular) at the back end of the year, had we managed to keep Walker.
But as snake77 mentioned, keeping him would have probably meant no (or less chance of) a debut for EIT and one of the young guns plays more Cup minutes.
Gannon is an interesting one. Would be good to see him and Clark in the 13 rotation - Gannon on the bench (also covering second ,row if required) - he may be the new B.Sironen (sans Hooker cover) rather than the new D.Walks... The trials should hopefully give an insight as to whether they favour him as a middle or second row (or utility).
