Workington Town will be without prop forward Tom Walker for the start of the season as he prepares to go under the knife for surgery.

The former Warrington Wolves youngster said he will be having shoulder surgery next weekend which will rule him out for up to half a year.

Walker made 30 appearances for the club in his debut season, only missing the opening Championship fixture against Batley Bulldogs.

“I’ve probably needed this operation since June,” Walker said. “I’ve played in some pain for most of the year but I’ve really enjoyed my rugby so didn’t want to stop.

“My operation is next Saturday and I’m really disappointed to be missing pre-season.

“I’d take being flogged than having this operation any day of the week.”

Walker vows to return to the fold a better player after testing himself in the Championship for the first time.

“I played a lot more games than I thought I would last year,” he added. “I only missed the first game of the year. It will be good to get back into the swing of things next season.

“There will be a lot of competition for places next year so I’ll need to work my way back into the side and carry on improving.

“So my aim is to get fit and secure my place as quickly as possible.

“I’ll come back a stronger player and, although I think I had a good season last year, the best is yet to come.”

Town’s season-opener is at home to Sheffield Eagles on February 7.

Walker’s injury could force him to miss the first 10 games of the year as Town will look to improve on their fourth-placed finish in the Championship Shield.