November 2, 2026 — 7:30pm
Sydney Roosters players want Sam Walker to see out the final year of his deal, despite being told by the club he is free to leave, with skipper James Tedesco declaring: “He’ll be hard to replace – we need him next year.”
Tedesco may have lost the No.1 jersey to Reece Walsh, but his presence and calming influence in Kangaroos camp has been vital for Walker as he deals with intense speculation about his playing future.
The Roosters withdrew their $1.2 million-a-season contract extension after Walker’s management pushed for more money. The club then told Walker he could go now.
Roosters skipper Tedesco, 33, has had several conversations with 24-year-old Walker, and made it known he wants him to stick around for one last hurrah in 2027.
“He’s taken it all in his stride,” Tedesco told this masthead. “I’ve had plenty of conversations with him about where his head’s at, and what he was thinking. He was disappointed we couldn’t work something out.
“You can understand the Roosters’ point of view. They wanted to get it [the extension] done, but for him, he hasn’t had much time away from footy or camp to have a really good think about it.
“It’s disappointing. For his sake, I hope he can work something out because he’s got a bright future. He’s still got one more year [at the Roosters], which is great. As players, we want him to [return], definitely – he was a big part of our success winning the grand final this year.
“All I can do is be there for him if he needs me. He doesn’t need to talk to me or take my advice, but we’ve spent plenty of time together away from footy just hanging out. We’ve been together since he started at the Roosters. I know I can play a part in his career, whatever that looks like.”
Walker has been linked to Canterbury, especially if Matt Burton, who will earn upwards of $1m next year, can strike an immediate deal with the Perth Bears. The PNG Chiefs are also monitoring the situation, but only if they fail to tempt Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary with what is expected to be the game’s richest offer.
The Roosters have playmaker Toby Rodwell coming through the grades, while Hugo Savala, who showed tremendous versatility this season, is eager to return to the halves.
“Hugo will be more than comfortable steering the ship, but I don’t want to talk about [halves] possibilities because Sam is there,” Tedesco said.
Another young Kangaroo to have benefited from Tedesco’s calming presence in camp is Walsh, the fullback tipped to keep Tedesco out of the side for Sunday’s clash with Samoa.
Tedesco has been happy to mentor his Brisbane and Queensland Origin rival, who has sought regular feedback.
Walsh finished Saturday night’s clash with five try assists and an ice pack on his left ankle, but is in no doubt for the Allianz Stadium semi. Cup officials say the clash is expected to sell out, and feature more Samoan than Australian supporters.
“His attack is always something I’ve admired from afar, his speed, his ball playing, he’s always a threat,” Tedesco said of Walsh.
“The more you can get him into those positions out the back of shape, he’ll create some havoc like he did on the weekend. He’s always asking me for advice if I see anything, including defensively.
“I hadn’t had a chance to talk to him much before this. We’ve had a lot of conversations this camp on and off the field.
“I know he’s a good kid who wants to work hard and improve his game. He’s got all the skills and talent in the world, and I’m happy to offer any advice he wants to take on board. I know he really appreciates it.”
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Source: The Sydney Morning Herald · Christian Nicolussi
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