Walker’s ACL injury hasn’t changed Roosters extension plans

The Sydney Roosters still plan to honour the two-year extension tabled for Sam Walker before he suffered his brutal ACL injury in the NRL’s 26th round—if the 22-year-old halfback actually accepts the offer, of course.

Walker ruptured his left ACL and now has to undergo reconstructive surgery, with the injury work and recovery meaning he won’t play again until (at least) weeks into 2025.

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The Roosters had only just tabled a formal offer for the 22-year-old, with The Daily Telegraph reporting the contract was for $1.8 million over two years. The Tricolours club is still willing to pay Walker the full $1.8 million despite the fact he could miss as much as a quarter of that timespan as he works back to fully fit playing level again.

There’s been no indication Walker was going to take up the deal before November 1.

Instead, the young gun halfback was fully expecting to field negotiation offers from NRL rivals when the window opens, with The Sporting Base hearing the Brisbane Broncos are already preparing a big sales package to try and bring Walker back to Queensland.

How the felled halfback’s injury is going to impact things remains a little unclear, but it sounds like he’s still going to talk to as many clubs as he can to get a good picture of his value—he’s signed with the Roosters through to the end of next year anyway, so he won’t be left jobless should nothing eventuate quickly for him. The only big question mark may be Sydney; Trent Robinson could ask the bosses to withdraw the extension off early.

Walker had been incredible up until his injury against the Raiders, setting up 21 tries for the Roosters in as many games. It’s been a huge bounceback for the Queenslander starlet considering he was actually dropped into reserve grade for several weeks in 2022. Many squared him as among the very best playmakers in the league.

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While the Broncos and Roosters are publicly circling Walker already, expect two other clubs to make a heavy play: St George Illawarra and Newcastle, both of whom are very interested.