Bombshell as Roosters pull contract offer for Walker
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Sam Walker is guaranteed to test his value on the open market from November 1 after the Sydney Roosters sensationally withdrew their contract offer for the premiership-winning halfback.
Walker’s management and the Roosters met on Monday but were unable to agree on a new deal for the gun 24-year-old playmaker.
Roosters halfback Sam Walker. Getty Images
Walker had hinted only 24 hours earlier that he wanted to strike a fresh deal with the Roosters in negotiations on Monday.
The NRL premiers reportedly had a four-year contract worth more than $1 million a season on the table.
“The Sydney Roosters have this evening advised the management of Sam Walker that the club’s offer for a contract extension beyond the 2027 season has been withdrawn after the parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms,” the Roosters confirmed in a statement on Monday night.
“The club remains focused on maintaining a premiership-winning roster, with all recruitment and retention decisions made to support the strength, balance and long-term success of the playing squad.”
Walker is contracted to the Tricolours until the end of 2027.
The Ipswich product was quizzed on his playing future after making his Kangaroos debut against Fiji in the World Cup on Sunday night.
“I spent this week not worrying about that,” Walker told reporters in the Suncorp Stadium sheds.
“I’ll let my manager do his job – he’s sorting a lot out in the background.
“My job was to go out and play football tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll have a conversation with him, sit down and hopefully get something sorted.
“Right now, I’ve only been off the field for an hour and haven’t had time to think about it. I’ll have time in the next couple of days.
“It’s nice to be wanted. I have to make a decision on my future soon, and I will.
“But right now, my focus was completely on tonight and making sure we got the win for Australia.”
The Roosters’ bombshell Walker call came only a few hours after the Raiders had decided to pull their contract offer for star back-rower Hudson Young.
Panthers champion Nathan Cleary, Warriors playmaker Te Maire Martin, Titans rookie Zane Harrison and Walker are among the halfbacks set to hit the open market on Sunday.
Sam Walker on his Kangaroos debut on Sunday night. Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
In the meantime, Walker is in a battle with Cowboys gun Tom Dearden for the Australian No.7 jumper.
It remains to be seen whether Walker or Dearden will partner Cameron Munster in the halves for Saturday night’s game against the Cook Islands in Townsville and the Kangaroos’ finals campaign.
“We’re all here to make sure we put Australia first and get the job done for the team,” Walker said.
“So whatever happens, happens.
“I’m just really stoked to be able to make my debut.
“Whatever happens, whatever role I’ve got – whether it’s starting, coming off the bench, or helping out at training, it doesn’t matter. I’ll make sure I do my best and help out wherever I can.”
