Adam Reynolds in staggering call on Sam Walker over NRL contract situation at Roosters
Walker's future has been a hot topic after his Roosters masterclass on Anzac Day.
Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds says Brisbane are already set up for future success in the halves and don't need to chase the signing of rival No.7, Sam Walker. The Roosters playmaker put in one of the best performances of his career in a man-of-the-match display against the Dragons on Anzac Day, setting up three tries and kicking 10 from 10 goals in the 60-18 annihilation at Allianz Stadium.
Walker's performance left the NRL world gobsmacked and cemented his status as one of the most sought-after young halfbacks in the game. The 21-year-old's current contract with the Roosters runs until the end of next season, which is coincidentally the same time that Reynolds' deal with the Broncos ends.
It's led to inevitable speculation that Walker could return to his home state in Queensland as a natural successor to Reynolds when the champion No.7 hangs up his boots. However, Walker shut down those suggestions after the Anzac Day masterclass, saying his future lies with the Roosters where he feels at home in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
“I love the Roosters – I look forward to hopefully having a long campaign here,” Walker said. “I look forward to playing there (in Brisbane) every couple of months, but this is home. There will always be speculation. I’m happy here.” Walker was speaking before his side's clash in Brisbane, where “a crew of about 1000 people” are likely to greet the young No.7 at a Suncorp Stadium venue he regularly attended growing up.
Adam Reynolds says Brisbane should not chase Sam Walker
The Roosters will be even more desperate to tie down Walker long-term following the announcement this week that halves partner Luke Keary is retiring at the end of the season. But while the Broncos could be tempted to make a move on the young No.7, Reynolds says the Broncos "should stick to what we have" and not chase the signature of Walker.
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The Broncos have half Jock Madden on the books until the end of 2026 and highly thought of teenager Coby Black has signed until the end of this year. Black is a playmaker the Broncos intend to wrap up long-term after coming through their prestigious academy.
"We have got enough quality here," Reynolds said. "Jock Madden has done a fantastic job of stepping up in my absence and we have got young Coby Black there as well. We have got (No.6) Ezra Mam, and (fullback) Reece Walsh who can play in the halves. It is pretty clear that Sam is happy down there at the Roosters.
"We should stick to what we have. We have some great young talent coming through here at the Broncos. "(Walker) was a kid in that system. They are always coming through." The Brisbane No.7 said despite his thoughts, he still rates Walker extremely highly and believes the best is yet to come from the 21-year-old in the NRL.
"He has certainly got the world at his feet," Reynolds added. "He is a talented kid and showed that on (Anzac Day). It is not his best game. He has played better than that and has been in some big moments for that club and delivered.
"In a blowout game, to say it was his best is hard. In tight contests when they have been down by four or six and he has done something to get them back in the game, that is what I see as more important."
