Sam Walker is 80 minutes away from winning a premiership with the Sydney Roosters – and justifying the climbing price tag that was floated during preliminary contract negotiations with the Bondi club.
Walker overcame a serious ankle injury to play an instrumental role in the Roosters’ 36-20 win over the Dolphins in their preliminary final triumph on Friday night.
The team was in such control in the latter stages of the match that Roosters coach Trent Robinson had the luxury of giving his star playmaker an early mark with an eye on Sunday’s decider.
Walker hit pause on contract talks with the Roosters last month. The difference between what his management was chasing and what the Roosters were prepared to pay was around $1 million over four years.
If the 24-year-old inspires the first Roosters title since 2019, and then plays a key role for Australia at the World Cup – especially as there are concerns over Nathan Cleary’s foot – Walker will be in hot demand after November 1, should he become a free agent.
Walker said after Friday’s win, his immediate focus had been on his recovery, including the use of a hyperbaric chamber, but he was keen to remain in the red, white and blue.
“For sure, like I said, my preference is obviously to stay at the Roosters,” Walker said.
“But for now, I’m not thinking anything about that.
“My job is to go out there and perform, play football, and the rest will take care of itself.
“There’s not a glimmer of thought about that [contract situation] at the moment. It’s about winning next Sunday.”
The Roosters head into the grand final knowing it will be the last appearance for Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC), as well as rugby-bound teammates Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton.
With skipper James Tedesco off contract at the end of next year, and now a year-to-year proposition, and uncertainty about Spencer Leniu’s future at Bondi next year, the Roosters will have space in the cap to accommodate Walker.
Cherry-Evans was mindful not to get caught up in Walker’s contract talks, and said: “I love this club, which is crazy to say after 12 months, but the people have been nothing but amazing towards me and my family.
“And if Sammy feels the same thing, then he’ll say.
“When the time’s right, he will sort that out. But my opinion on it will [mean] very little, which is how it should be.”
Walker suffered a syndesmosis injury against the Dolphins in round 26, about a fortnight after he parked contract negotiations, and there were initial fears he wouldn’t play again this season.
“But once I had the surgery, I was pretty clear and pretty focused on getting back for this game,” Walker said.
“I’m really grateful for the staff and the medical team at the Roosters – they’ve done an amazing job helping me out, and also the club to believe in me to let me play. It was obviously a massive risk for them as well.
“I can’t wait [for Sunday]. It’s going to be an exciting week, but none of that matters unless we go out there and perform for 80 minutes. That’ll be our goal, and that’s all we’re focusing on.”
Walker grew up a Roosters fan, despite constant attempts to convert him into being a South Sydney supporter while his father and uncle, Ben and Chris, were playing at the Bunnies.
The Roosters’ only injury concern heading into grand final week is Connor Watson. He suffered a concussion against the Dolphins and will have to obtain clearance from an independent doctor to play before he exits for St George Illawarra in 2027 en route to the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
