Twin of Bradford rugby league star Adam Walker pays tribute

Earlier this month, Adam Walker, who played in the Super League for the likes of St Helens and Hull KR, passed away.

Twin Jonathan, a fine player himself for Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls, described Adam as a selfless individual and the "best brother anyone could have".

Book of Condolence: Leave your tribute to Adam Walker

Speaking exclusively to the Telegraph & Argus from Australia, Jonathan said: "We had always been together (the pair grew up in Wrose).

"He was so protective, the best brother anyone could have.

"As a person, his friends all respected him and he was always there if they needed help.

"He would never put himself first."

Former Super League player Adam Walker sadly died at the start of this month (Image: PA)

Since the death on October 4, funds have been raised to get Jonathan back home, so he can say one last goodbye to his beloved twin.

At the time of writing, the $5,000 AUD target to fund his flight and other costs has almost been reached.

"I can't thank everybody enough. It is hard to say how thankful you are in words.

"The support has got me through this and helped me get back to work.

"I am hoping to get back a couple of days before the funeral (October 27), so I can see him one last time before the coffin closes."

On the gofundme page, Julie Walker says: "It will be one of the hardest trips Johnny has to do, but his brother meant so much to him that we need help to get him back in time."

Jonathan struggled to come to terms with the sudden death in the immediate days that followed.

He added Adam had fallen into depression after his playing career had come to an end and that he was on the verge of joining him on the other side of the world.

"I don't remember anything from the first three days after I heard the news, I couldn't get over it.

"My dad and mum were worried about me and they couldn't sleep."

Jonathan added: "He was getting back fit and was going to come live with me over here. He was waiting on his passport to come, it has just arrived.

"He had a bit of depression. He found it hard to give rugby up and not train. He put on a bit of weight and it bogged him down.

"We gave each other confidence. We always messaged each morning to say 'have a good day'."

The Walker twins when they were at Hull KR (Image: PA)

The twins started their careers together as youngsters at Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars.

They went their separate ways in 2010 as Adam moved to Huddersfield Giants while Jonathan signed on at Castleford Tigers.

The pair were able to reunite and realise a dream on the field years later when they appeared for the Scotland national team.

The 31-year-old said: "We tried so many different sports grewing up but it was our dad who got us into rugby. We grew up watching Bulls.

"It was always our dream to play professionally together. That happened for Scotland at the highest level.

"It was a great honour playing for Scotland. Hearing those bagpipes for the first time was amazing.

"The camps were laidback so me and Adam would always be sneaking in food, playing pranks and just having a laugh.

"They would try to keep us apart but we would always sneak back into the same room and kick our other teammates out."

Walker's death came as a big blow to the rugby league world (Image: PA)

The T&A has been inundated with Bradfordians wanting to pay tribute to Adam.

Kayley Taglione said: "Rest in peace uncle Adam. Gone but never forgotten. Love you always."

Chelsea Robinson added: "So sorry to hear about the passing of Adam Walker who I always looked up to when I saw him around Bradford."

On October 27, a short service will take place at the Holy Trinity Church in Idle at 11.30am. This is for family and friends only.

This will be followed by a committal at Nab Wood Crematorium in Shipley at 1.20pm.

The wake is at The Commercial Inn, Thackley from 2pm onwards. All are welcome and rugby tops or sports tops can be worn.

A video link of the funeral is to be confirmed in due course for family and Adam's rugby friends abroad to pay their respects.