Sam Walker intends to see out the final year of his Sydney Roosters contract in 2027, despite the breakdown of negotiations over a proposed three-year extension.
The Roosters withdrew their 4.2 million dollar offer on Monday after Walker’s representatives sought more time to consider the deal. The proposal would have paid the 24-year-old 1.2 million dollars a season, with a clause allowing his salary to rise if the NRL salary cap increased.
The collapse of the talks has left relations between Walker’s camp and Roosters chairman Nick Politis strained. Walker has not spoken to coach Trent Robinson since the offer was withdrawn.
Despite the dispute, Walker has told those close to him that he plans to report for pre-season training after completing his Australia commitments at the World Cup and his mandated holiday period.
The Roosters are understood to have budgeted for Walker’s salary to rise to about 1.5 million dollars if the salary cap increases by 25 per cent. The club is not prepared to pay more, with internal assessments reportedly placing Walker behind James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Robert Toia and Naufahu Whyte in its pecking order.
That assessment comes despite the withdrawn offer being worth more than any of those four players can earn. Walker helped the Roosters win the premiership this year but the club does not regard him as being among the NRL’s elite players.
With negotiations unlikely to resume, the Roosters are prepared to move forward with Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell as their halves pairing. There has also been speculation about a possible swap involving North Queensland halfback Tom Dearden, although Dearden has not requested a release.
Walker has attracted interest from rival clubs, but a move would require them to free salary-cap space. South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has said there is no room for him in 2027, while Brisbane are also close to their cap limit.
Melbourne could become an option if Cameron Munster leaves, although the Storm remain hopeful of retaining their playmaker. Perth have a 20 per cent marquee salary-cap allowance, but would need significant financial assistance to accommodate Walker while filling four remaining roster positions.
The PNG Chiefs may consider Walker if they miss out on Penrith’s Nathan Cleary or Gold Coast youngster Zane Harrison. It remains unclear whether Walker would be willing to move to Port Moresby from 2028.
The Roosters have made clear they will not pay a substantial sum to remove Walker from their books, raising the possibility that the two parties will remain tied together for another season.
