Sam Walker says a decision on his Roosters future is coming soon, with his camp reportedly keen to have a new deal signed before the Kangaroos face the Cook Islands on Saturday.
The premiership halfback was due to sit down with manager Clinton Schifcofske on Monday, a day after making his Test debut in Australia’s 36-22 World Cup win over Fiji in Brisbane, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
News Corp has reported the negotiations are in their final stages. Fox Sports reported that Walker instructed his manager on Monday to get the contract ready for him to approve, and that he wants the deal done before Saturday’s Test in Townsville.
What Walker said
Walker parked contract talks to focus on his Kangaroos debut, and he kept his cards close after the Fiji win.
“I’ve spent this week not worrying about [the contract] and letting my manager do his job in the background,” Walker said, as quoted by the Herald.
Read more: Sam Walker Given Monday Deadline by Roosters, Report Says
“My job was to go out and play football. I’m sure on Monday I’ll have a conversation with him, and we’ll sit down and hopefully get something sorted.
“It’s nice to be wanted. I’m going to make a decision soon on my future. But right now, my focus was completely on making sure I got the win for Australia.”
The offer on the table
According to the Herald, the Roosters wanted to know by Monday whether Walker would accept a three-year extension worth around $1.4 million a season, which would keep him at Bondi until at least the end of 2030.
Read more: Tom Trbojevic Hat-Trick Saves Kangaroos in 36-22 Win Over Fiji
The 24-year-old has shown little appetite for the open market. Players off contract at the end of 2027 can start talking to rival clubs from November 1.
Fox Sports said a deal this week would be a blow to the PNG Chiefs, who are keen to offer Walker a big contract.
Why it matters for the Roosters
Locking Walker in has become a priority for the premiers, who have lost Daly Cherry-Evans, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson, while Daniel Tupou has retired. Walker, Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell are seen as the club’s future halves.
The Roosters had not announced a new deal at the time of writing. Walker’s next assignment is the Kangaroos’ final pool game against the Cook Islands in Townsville on Saturday.
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