Sam Walker intends to play out 2027 with Roosters despite withdrawn offer

Sam Walker plans to report to Roosters pre-season training and play out the final year of his contract in 2027, despite the club withdrawing its three-year, $4.2 million extension offer. The deal started at $1.2 million a season with a ratchet clause that would have lifted it to around $1.5 million if the salary cap rises as expected, which was as far as the Roosters were willing to go. Sources suggest the club didn’t rate Walker in its top four players this season. Walker hasn’t spoken to coach Trent Robinson since the offer was pulled, and a return to negotiations looks unlikely. Most rival clubs can’t afford him without moving on players, and the Perth Bears would need a heavy subsidy despite having first rights on any player who doesn’t fulfil his contract, meaning the two parties may be stuck together for another year. The PNG Chiefs could become an option if they miss out on Nathan Cleary or Zane Harrison.

By Adrian Proszenko, Chris Barrett, Sydney Morning Herald — read the full story