Tweet
NRL 2024: Sam Walker open to Queensland return according to dad Ben Walker
Roosters star Sam Walker may claim he has no intentions of leaving the club, but his dad has revealed why a return to Queensland could still be an option for the star playmaker.
Peter Badel and Brent Read
3 min read
May 3, 2024 - 8:37AMNews Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
44 comments
01:18
Concussion no impact in Keary retirement
NRL: Trent Robinson has declared that Luke Keary's history of concussion did not play a role in the... more
View more related videos
Sam Walker’s father says the Roosters whizkid’s ability to play his style of football will determine whether the halfback young gun signs a new deal with the Bondi glamour club.
Roosters man-of-the-moment Walker will look to continue his 995-day winning streak over the Broncos when he returns “home” to Queensland for Friday night’s blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.
Walker has won four consecutive games against the Broncos dating back to 2021 and heads to Suncorp with the hot hand after slaying the Dragons in last week’s 60-18 Anzac Day massacre.
ADVERTISEMENT
CONTENT RESUMES ON SCROLL
In the wake of that performance, Walker indicated he had no intention of leaving the Roosters and returning to the Broncos, whom he sensationally quit after a fallout with Brisbane chiefs in 2019.
But his dad, former Broncos playmaker Ben Walker, says the 21-year-old’s long-term future at Bondi will hinge on the Queensland Origin hopeful being able to play his natural style of football.
Sam Walker has declared he has no interest in leaving the Roosters, but his father has hinted the door isn’t closed on a return to Queensland. Picture: Getty ImagesWalker is off-contract next year, making him a free agent from November 1.
While the Roosters are in the box seat to retain Walker, the NRL’s 2021 rookie-of-the-year is among the hottest young playmakers in the game and could command offers in excess of $1 million-a-season.
The youngster’s management have yet to kick-off extension talks with the Roosters and Walker Sr says his son must consider several factors as he confronts the next lucrative phase of his career.
“Sam is a polite kid,” Ben Walker said.
ADVERTISING
“He has respectfully said he wants to stay at the Roosters and he is respecting his employer by saying he wants to be there for the rest of his career, but the next deal could set him up for the rest of his life.
“As long as he can play his football and be happy on and off the field, that will have a large bearing on his decision long-term.”
Sam Walker’s uncle Shane (left) and father Ben (right).Walker endured a turbulent 2023 season at the Roosters, with the emerging halfback axed after just seven rounds as coach Trent Robinson shook up his scrumbase in a search for more consistent form.
Amid that backdrop, there were rumblings that Walker wasn’t seeing eye-to-eye with Roosters halves consultant Cooper Cronk over his game management and how best to run the team.
Walker Jr insists he has no issue with Cronk, but there is a view the Ipswich phenom wasn’t being afforded sufficient freedom to back his instincts and be the Roosters’ main man in the No.7 jumper.
Ben Walker insists Sam is not unhappy at the Roosters, but admits his future will hinge on the Queensland Origin hopeful being able to play his natural style of football. Picture: David BeckerQueensland league scouts have described Walker as the Sunshine State’s most natural halfback product since Broncos legend Allan Langer who plays best when unshackled.
As he prepares for a sizzling scrumbase showdown with Broncos champion Adam Reynolds, Walker admits his confidence took a hit with his demotion last year and is at his best when he operates on instinct.
“I just play with a bit of freedom,” Walker said.
“I’m not much of an over-thinker, I just go out there and play my sort of game.
“Last year I was missing a bit of confidence to go out there and do what I do.
“The Broncos game is one I look forward to, it (Queensland) is home for me.
“Running onto Suncorp, to run out there and put on a show is something I’m looking forward to.
“I will have 50 of my best mates and my family.
“I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it.”
Sam Walker with good mate Ezra Mam. Picture: NRL ImageryBen Walker insists Sam is by no means unhappy at the Roosters, but like most Queensland-born NRL stars, the option to return home is always a consideration.
Reynolds’ Broncos contract also expires in 2025, the same season as Walker’s current Roosters deal, fuelling a belief Brisbane could make a poaching bid for the halfback to reunite with his good mate Ezra Mam in 2026.
Veteran Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend is off-contract this season, while the Titans are screaming out for a top-line halfback, with Tanah Boyd yet to cement the No.7 jumper.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters sees shades of Langer-like flair in Walker, but has echoed the sentiments of Reynolds, who believes Brisbane can flourish with Mam, Jock Madden and Reece Walsh.
More Coverage
Reynolds urges Broncos to resist bringing Walker back to club
Matty Johns: South Sydney’s biggest recruitment blunderAsked about Walker coming back to the Broncos, Walters said: “’Reyno’ has got it right. We are very comfortable with our roster here and particularly in the halves. We are very well served in that space.
“He is a terrific player and we saw that last week against the Dragons. We can’t just put all our focus on Walker because others will jump out of the ground.
“Sam was (in the Broncos Academy) but I see him as a Rooster n
Comment