Rabbitohs meet with Roosters halfback Sam Walker

South Sydney officials have met with Sam Walker in a bid to lure the premiership-winning halfback from arch rivals the Roosters.

Sources not authorised to speak publicly said the Rabbitohs had met with Walker in Brisbane, where he is part of the Kangaroos World Cup squad. Walker remains contracted to the premiers until the end of next year, but they are prepared to get him off the books immediately after contract extension talks spectacularly unravelled two weeks ago after the Queensland half requested additional time to consider the deal.

The Rabbitohs are open to the prospect of taking Walker straight away, but don’t have the salary cap space to meet his contract figure of about $1 million a year.

While several high-profile Rabbitohs are off contract from 2028 – including Latrell Mitchell, Campbell Graham and Jack Wighton – none of them have been asked to make way immediately.

PNG Chiefs coach Willie Peters has stated there is interest in Walker after the club missed out on Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary and Titans youngster Zane Harrison. Canterbury has also been touted as a potential contender for Walker, if Matt Burton seeks an immediate release to join Perth.

Burton has a three-year deal on the table from the Bears, but will likely make a final decision after speaking with the Bulldogs.

The Walker development adds further intrigue to the storied rivalry between the foundation clubs. The Roosters would likely need to chip in part of Walker’s freight to get him to move immediately, given most clubs don’t have the salary cap space to get near his asking price.

However, it’s unlikely the Roosters would subsidise a move to their fiercest rivals, as they did to get Brandon Smith off their roster. The Roosters could consider making a play for Graham given they have lost star outside backs Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby) and Daniel Tupou (retirement).

Cody Walker is close to re-signing with Souths for next year, while other Rabbitohs halves options include Ashton Ward and Jayden Sullivan. Another is utility Jamie Humphreys, who this week signed a two-year contract extension.

Prospective clubs are unlikely to be in a rush to take Walker, given the Roosters could continue to pay his salary until just before the 2027 season kicks off.

Walker is one of 11 Kangaroos players who officially became free agents on November 1. The World Cup stars are likely to turn their attention to their long-term futures after the final against New Zealand on Sunday.