Sam Walker in massive $1.8 million Roosters development after season-ending ACL injury

The Roosters have reportedly told Sam Walker that they don't intend to renege on the two-year $1.8million deal tabled to him prior to his season-ending knee injury. Walker - who has 12 months left on his existing contract - has made it clear he is keen to test his market value but the Roosters are understandably desperate to keep their gun young half.

They face fierce competition from the Broncos, who reportedly see Walker as a natural successor to veteran half Adam Reynolds, who is contracted to Brisbane until the end of the 2025 NRL season. And come November 1 Walker can negotiate with rival clubs for the 2026 season onwards - unless he locks something down with the Roosters before then.

The Roosters confirmed on Monday afternoon that Walker had ruptured his left ACL and will need to undergo reconstructive surgery later this week. It means he will not only be sidelined for the remainder of 2024 but will also miss the opening months of the 2025 season.

The extent of the injury is likely to deter some rival clubs from tabling lucrative offers. But in a massive show of faith, according to The Daily Telegraph, the Tri Colours have informed Walker that their $1.8milluon deal is still on the table and they have no intention of pulling the offer.

Walker has been a regular in the Roosters' side this season as he has gone from strength to strength in his 21 appearances, contributing 21 try assists and 16 line-break assists. After spending time in lower grades in recent years, in 2024 he has stepped up to help the Tri Colours become the most prolific attacking side in the competition, calling plays and constructing their sets while Luke Keary plays more of a secondary role.

Walker is also viewed as the future of the club, alongside promising youngster Sandon Smith - his likely replacement. But Walker is from Queensland and has most of his friends and family there, having grown up as a boyhood Broncos fan. Therefore the idea of a move back to Brisbane would surely be tempting for the 22-year-old, however, it is currently unclear if Brisbane would match or better the Roosters offer after such a major injury. Other clubs could also enter the race to sign Walker and could realistically trump the Roosters' offer, although those clubs may not be genuine premiership forces.

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Braith Anasta says Roosters can't win comp without Sam Walker

The Roosters must now find a way forward without their star halfback who has been at the heart of their scintillating attack for the remainder of the season. Keary will have to take on significantly more responsibility in Walker's absence and coach Trent Robinson is expected to partner him with Smith. But he could also opt for a player such as Joey Manu in the halves, with Billy Smith now returning from injury and could slot into the centre spot.

But regardless of who they pick Anasta can't see the Roosters winning the comp without him. “The Roosters were not the team they are now back before he started his run back on ANZAC Day, he this year has catapulted them into premiership contenders,” Anasta said on NRL 360 in July when talking about his contract situation. "They’ve got a great roster, you take Sam out of that and they can’t win the comp this year... Sam is their man, so they need him."