'No truth to that': Sam Walker responds to growing speculation about injury return

Sam Walker has denied speculation he will sit out the 2025 season if the Roosters are not in contention to play finals footy.

The 22-year-old has been out of action since he ruptured his ACL against the Raiders last September.

There were suggestions Walker could be missing until August, which led to suggestions the Roosters should give him the rest of the year off as a precaution if they cannot reach the finals.

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But Walker has since cleared the speculation around his recovery timeline.

"There's no truth to that," he told Nine at half time during his side's Anzac Day clash against the Dragons.

"I'm looking forward to coming back and I'm working as hard as I can to be back."

Walker has returned to training in recent weeks, with club skipper James Tedesco praising the halfback's commitment to his recovery.

Speaking on Nine's Freddy and the Eighth earlier this month, Andrew Johns said it would be a "gamble" to bring him back and risk a fresh injury.

"If he's back in say round 18 or 20, (and if the) Roosters are no chance of making the eight ... you wouldn't risk it, would you," he said.

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"He's too much of an investment. There's no halfbacks out there, and god forbid he plays one game and does his knee again."

Walker believes his recovery has him on track for a return in round 13.

"I'm hoping I'll be back in six to eight weeks," Walker said.

"It's coming along really well. Touch wood that there is no setbacks. Mid-June is the game plan (to return).

"After seeing the crowd out here today and watching the game, it gives me so much more excited to get back out there."