The seven hours that killed ‘richest’ Walker deal and angered Politis
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It would have reportedly been the richest deal in the Roosters′ history, but a last-minute request from Sam Walker’s camp for an extra $100,000 a year was the catalyst for the deal’s collapse, according to Nine’s Danny Weidler.
On Tuesday night, Weidler reported Walker and his management met at 9.30am Monday. They agreed to the deal, and the Roosters were informed.
On Monday, Sam Walker had all but signed for the Roosters. Getty Images
The club’s media manager was told to draft a media release announcing the deal, which was to be announced pending final approval from the Walker camp at 3pm.
Roosters chairman Nick Politis then drove from the Gold Coast to Brisbane to meet with one of Walker’s agents, Steve Gillis, to get final approval. It wasn’t given.
Then at 6.55pm Monday, a request came from Walker’s management for an upgraded offer – reportedly an extra $100,000 a year – and the request for a new deadline of 12.30pm Tuesday.
Politis then said no and pulled the deal altogether.
Walker is contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2027, but Weidler said he believed the grand final triumph over the Knights was Walker’s last game for the Tricolours.
“There will be moves to try and move him on … they don’t see the value in paying him around $1 million next year and then see him move on. They think that’s a bad investment,” Weidler reported on Nine’s Today on Wednesday morning.
"Nick Politis is very emotionally attached to the football team … and also the players that he's involved with. Walker is considered to be one of his favourite players. It was really with a heavy heart that he withdrew that offer.
"At this point, I would definitely be surprised if Sam Walker was playing for the Roosters next year."
Weidler reported the Titans and Bears would no doubt inquire about Walker’s availability, as would the Broncos, despite having distanced themselves.
But Weidler added that family ties to the Rabbitohs could trigger a shock defection to the Roosters’ biggest rival.
Brothers Ben (Sam’s father), Chris, and Shane Walker all played for the Rabbitohs. Ben and Shane played for the club together in 2005 and 2006.
Sam Walker in Kangaroos camp. Getty Images
"That would be a pretty cruel thing for the Roosters to accept if Sam Walker ended up at the arch rivals," Weidler said.
Walker is currently in Kangaroos camp in Townsville, preparing for the team’s final Rugby League World Cup group-stage match against the Cook Islands on Saturday night.
Kangaroos and Maroons teammate Harry Grant told media on Tuesday camp was probably the best place for Walker to be.
“He’s all right … It is what it is. He’s in camp, which is probably a really good place for him. It’s an opportunity to keep training, keep worrying about his footy, and I’m sure Sammy will be fine,” Grant said.
