The Roosters told Sam Walker he was free to leave. Now they want him to stay for 2027

The Sydney Roosters wants Sam Walker to fulfil the final year of his contract to help them win a second straight NRL premiership, rather than a desire to keep him out of the clutches of hated rivals South Sydney.

Having told Walker he was free to leave immediately after pulling their offer of a $4.2 million, three-year extension, the Roosters contacted Walker’s manager Clinton Schifcofske over the weekend to inform them they were now open to the halfback staying put in 2027.

Roosters players had been vocal about the need for Walker to play for the club next season if they were any chance of defending their title.

Skipper James Tedesco told this masthead a few weeks ago while in Kangaroos camp with Walker: “He’ll be hard to replace – we need him next year.”

It was widely reported the Roosters were prepared to tip in part of Walker’s salary if he could find a new home for 2027, but there was no way they were going to contribute towards any deal with Souths.

Rabbitohs officials met with Walker in Brisbane last week, but the Bunnies would have to move on at least one senior player to accommodate Walker under the salary cap.

One name mentioned was Jack Wighton, who is about to enter the final year of an $800,000-a-season deal and had a three-year offer on the table from Hull FC in the Super League.

But sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed on Sunday that Wighton was not interested in a move to England.

It remains to be seen if Souths will maintain their interest in Walker if they have to wait until 2028 to secure his services. The club is set to announce as soon as this week that Cody Walker will commit to a two-year deal, with the second season an option in the club’s favour.

By remaining in Bondi, Walker will give himself plenty of time to source a suitable contract for 2028.

PNG Chiefs coach Willie Peters has already indicated he is open to negotiating with Walker if the Queensland and Kangaroos playmaker is genuine about a move to Port Moresby. The Bulldogs have also been heavily linked to Walker, especially if Matt Burton joins the Perth Bears. However, there have been no formal talks between the Dogs and Walker’s camp.

Walker will link with Hugo Savala in the halves in 2027, which will give Toby Rodwell another 12 months to serve his apprenticeship.

The 24-year-old Walker will join Roosters teammates in the US next week, where they will visit schools and run coaching clinics in LA.

Meanwhile, Hudson Young will return to pre-season training with the Raiders on Monday for the first time since the club confirmed he would not return in 2028 and was free to join the PNG Chiefs. Young is expected to make a call this week about whether to take up the Chiefs’ offer.

There were reports the Raiders were open to an immediate swap involving Young and Penrith’s Liam Martin, but privately the club do not expect the Panthers to entertain the idea.

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