Sam Walker has produced a remarkable return from ankle surgery to help fire the Sydney Roosters into their first NRL Grand Final since 2019.
Just 27 days after undergoing surgery on the syndesmosis injury that threatened to end his season, Walker returned at halfback and played a starring role in the Roosters’ 36-20 preliminary final victory over the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.
Walker Makes His Mark Immediately
There had been considerable doubt over whether Walker would play again this season after suffering the injury against the Dolphins in Round 26.
Instead, the 24-year-old completed an aggressive rehabilitation program and was cleared to return for the biggest game of the Roosters’ season.
Coach Trent Robinson had made it clear before the game that Walker would only be selected if he was completely ready.
“The only reason that I would put Sam in is if I knew he was 100 per cent, and he’s right,” Robinson said ahead of the preliminary final.
Walker quickly justified the decision.
He converted Mark Nawaqanitawase’s 90-metre intercept try before producing a pinpoint cross-field kick for Daniel Tupou to score as the Roosters raced to a 16-0 advantage inside the opening half-hour.
The halfback continued to threaten the Dolphins after the break and played a role in the sweeping movement that eventually sent Nawaqanitawase across for his second try.
Then came the perfect finish to Walker’s comeback.
With the Roosters comfortably ahead, Walker attacked the defensive line from close range and accelerated through to score in the 67th minute before being given an early mark by Robinson.
Remarkable Recovery From Surgery
The performance was made even more impressive by how quickly Walker had returned.
Walker underwent surgery after suffering the syndesmosis injury in the Roosters’ Round 26 loss to the Dolphins and subsequently missed three matches.
Daly Cherry-Evans revealed during the build-up to the preliminary final just how determined Walker had been to get himself back onto the field.
“He’s just been relentless in his recovery,” Cherry-Evans said.
“It’s been so great to watch him and to be honest it hasn’t been surprising.
“He’s an extremely competitive person. The team means a lot to him, the opportunity to play deep into finals means a lot to him.”
Less than four weeks after surgery, Walker wasn’t simply back on the field — he was again one of the Roosters’ most dangerous attacking weapons.
Fox Sports rated Walker an eight out of 10 for his performance, highlighting his try, assist and constant threat with the football.
Roosters’ Premiership Push Gets Walker Boost
The timing could hardly be better for Trent Robinson.
The Roosters have now reached their first Grand Final since their 2019 premiership and will chase the club’s 16th title next weekend.
Walker’s return also restores the Roosters’ preferred halves combination alongside Cherry-Evans, who will play the final game of his NRL career in the decider.
After fears Walker’s season was finished less than a month ago, the Roosters will instead head into the biggest game of the year with their star No.7 back directing the side.
And on the evidence of his stunning return against the Dolphins, Walker hasn’t needed long to rediscover his best football.
