PNG Chiefs eye Sam Walker after missing out on Nathan Cleary

Chiefs coach Willie Peters says out-of-favour Rooster Sam Walker is a genuine option as the club’s inaugural halfback if he is genuine about a move to PNG.

The Chiefs were keen to offer Nathan Cleary the equivalent of $5 million per season gross in Australia, comprising a tax-free $2.5 million contract and third-party deals of at least $500,000. However, Cleary opted to remain in Penrith and is working through the fine print on a two-year extension, with the option for a further two seasons in the halfback’s favour.

Another potential Chiefs signing, Zane Harrison, has recommitted to the Gold Coast Titans until the end of 2029. That leaves Walker as the Chiefs’ main target.

“Sam is a quality player,” Peters said. “There’s no doubt about that. For us, we’ve always been adamant that we want people who want to come to PNG. If Sam has a genuine interest in coming and playing for the Chiefs, then he will definitely be someone we look at.”

Walker spectacularly fell out with the Roosters after asking for more time and money before recommitting. That stance infuriated club powerbrokers, who pulled the offer from the table and prompting speculation the Maroons playmaker may have played his last match for the Tricolours.

The majority of clubs won’t have the money to accommodate Walker for 2027 if he were to seek a fresh start immediately, while the Chiefs have made it clear they are in the market for a marquee halfback to partner Jarome Luai.

“We haven’t spoken to the Chiefs, but of course Sam will consider them if they’re genuinely keen on Sam,” said Walker’s agent, Clinton Schifcofske. “Sam wants to wait until after the World Cup to work out what he wants to do.

“He’s got a fair bit to weigh up. It’s not a surprise there’s been plenty of interest in Sam. He’ll sift through his options in good time.”

The fledgling franchise has already signed Joey Manu, Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o, Connor Watson and Matty Lees. Another player of interest is Canberra forward Hudson Young, who toured the club’s facilities this week. The Chiefs will need to pay Young $1 million per season after the NRL confirmed that is his market value.

Young was returning to Sydney on Friday afternoon after spending several days in Port Moresby.

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