The Roosters have copped a hammer blow in their attempt to lock down star halfback Sam Walker, with the 24-year-old reportedly turning down a four-year deal worth around $5 million.
According to Code Sports, the star halfback has put talks with the club on hold after contract negotiations broke down last week, with Walker feeling disrespected by the contract tabled.
Now, the halfback reportedly plans to go to the open market on November 1, where he can begin negotiating with cashed-up new franchises the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs.
Yet according to Code, his preference is to remain in Bondi but wants a far more lucrative deal.
The news outlet reports Walker, who is on an estimated $1 million this season, believes the offer tabled was “below his market value” and will not return to the negotiating table until after the club’s finals campaign so he can focus solely on his football.
It is reported the deal tabled to him began at $1.1m a year and would rise to $1.4m over the course of the contract.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was asked about the Walker contract at a press conference on Wednesday.
“I don’t have any issues long-term about Sam and what he’s going to do,” Robinson said.
“I think our vision for the future with Sammy is really clear and our discussions have been around that.
“I’ve got no problem waiting until October to have that discussion either with the club because that means we can focus on (football) right now.
“It’s important to answer those questions because it came out today but as a coach who is focused on this week and this year it’s pretty good news.
“I’m not in the discussions so I’m guessing here but the way I interpreted it is Sammy wants to focus on playing well right now, which from a coach’s point of view, how good.
Robinson also was far from impressed that Walker turning down the Roosters contract was leaked to the media.
“I think it’s strange that it’s come out in Queensland,” he told reporters.
“Peter (Badel) and journalists do well to get that information out.
“It’s pretty clear how that comes out from management when there were only a couple of people (in the meeting).”
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Walker’s future at Bondi sparked concerns over the impact on the Roosters’ finals push.
“Sam Walker and the Roosters need to resolve their contract,” Code Sports reporter Dave Riccio said on NRL360 on Tuesday.
“I think it’ll take a lot of noise out of the discussion and a lot of noise out of Sam’s head.”
“They need to get it down, because that’ll free up his mind heading into the finals series.”
In another blow for the Tricolours, it was also revealed on Wednesday that 2026 will almost certainly be the final year Daly Cherry Evans plays for the Roosters.
According to Code Sports, Cherry-Evans is in advanced discussions to join Super League side Hull FC.
Despite speculation he may retire, the 37-year-old appears set to play on at least another year, but outside of the NRL.
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