Sam Walker has phoned Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and chairman Nick Politis to apologise for his part in the collapse of his contract extension, according to News Corp reports.
CODE Sports reported that the 24-year-old halfback made the calls from the Kangaroos’ World Cup camp in Townsville on Wednesday night, Fox Sports said on Thursday morning. He reportedly thanked both men for their influence on his career and hoped to start peace talks.
“I just wanted a bit more time (to make a decision),” Walker told the pair, according to News Corp.
No sign of a new offer
The calls reportedly did not cover restarting contract talks, and Politis is reportedly unlikely to change his stance after the club pulled its offer on Monday night.
Fox Sports reported that the Roosters are planning a new halves pairing for 2027, with Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell the likely combination, and that Robinson agreed the team would move on next season.
Read more: Sam Walker’s Roosters Contract Offer Withdrawn Before Free Agency
Walker still contracted for 2027
Walker is contracted to the Roosters until the end of the 2027 season. Zero Tackle reported he is understood to be preparing to honour that deal and return to pre-season training around late December or early January, after his mandatory post-World Cup break.
The Roosters are understood to be unwilling to pay a significant part of his contract to help him leave early, Zero Tackle said. Fox Sports reported that if Walker cannot find a club for an immediate move, he could start 2027 in the NSW Cup.
How the deal fell apart
The Roosters said on Monday night that their offer for an extension beyond 2027 had been withdrawn “after the parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms”, as reported by Fox Sports. The offer was reportedly a three-year deal worth $1.2 million a season with ratchet clauses.
Before the calls, NRL 360 reporter Phil Rothfield said on Wednesday that Walker had not yet rung his coach. “I find that almost insulting,” Rothfield said.
Read more: Kangaroos Team: Sam Walker Dropped as Dearden Partners Munster
Walker was left out of Australia’s team for Saturday’s World Cup match against the Cook Islands in Townsville, with Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden in the halves. Players off contract at the end of 2027 can negotiate with rival clubs from 1 November.
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