Roosters open to releasing Sam Walker immediately as Bears loom

The Roosters are open to releasing Sam Walker immediately after withdrawing their $4.2 million offer, potentially opening the door for the Perth Bears to land a marquee signing for their debut season. Walker's agent Clinton Schifcofske said the two sides simply couldn't agree on terms, and that Walker's preference is still to stay and see out his contract in 2027. But chairman Nick Politis has no interest in reopening talks. The Roosters are reportedly monitoring Cowboys five-eighth Tom Dearden and Raiders playmaker Ethan Strange, a former Roosters junior, while young halves Reece Foley, Carter Mareko and Toby Rodwell, along with England's Hugo Savala, are other options.

By Peter Badel, Tyson Jackson, CODE Sports — read the full story