NRL 2021: Roosters sensation Sam Walker reveals why he quit Broncos

At just 17, Sam Walker is on track to become one of Brisbane’s great recruitment blunders, with the Roosters star revealing why he walked away from his ‘family’ club.

Sam Walker reveals why he signed with the Roosters. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

Roosters sensation Sam Walker has lifted the lid on his controversial exit from the Broncos and claimed his NRL career wouldn’t be on the same trajectory if he stayed in Brisbane.

Walker will confront the Broncos for the first time since quitting the club when the Roosters host Brisbane at the SCG on Saturday night.

At only 18, Walker has been a revelation in the NRL since debuting in Round 4 and is favourite to be crowned the Dally M Rookie of the Year.

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A product of Ipswich, Walker was signed to the Broncos as a junior, the club his father Ben and uncles Shane and Chris all played for.

But he opted to sign with the Roosters in 2019 as a 17-year-old and is on track to become one of Brisbane’s great recruitment blunders if he continues his meteoric rise.

The Broncos have been accused of botching Walker’s retention, with former coach Anthony Seibold publicly defending his role in the saga after infamously meeting with Walker when he was off-contract at Brisbane.

Sam Walker reveals why he signed with the Roosters. Picture: Grant Trouville/NRL Photos

Ahead of his first showdown with the Broncos, Walker said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for the powerhouse Roosters under three-time NRL premiership coach Trent Robinson.

“I went to a couple of clubs, I didn’t just look at the Broncos,” Walker said.

“When I came to this club and saw how special not just the team is but also the people behind the scenes, it was an easy decision for me.

“I wanted my footy to progress in a certain progression and the way ‘Robbo’ coaches his team is like no other coach in the NRL. That’s what I wanted to be under.

“I had options from not just the Broncos but other clubs in Queensland and NSW.

“Why would you not want to come to the Sydney Roosters? They’re the best club in the NRL and the best people, I think.”

Sam Walker celebrates scoring against the Dragons. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

Walker signed with the Roosters midway through 2019 and toured England for the 2020 World Club Challenge to become ingrained in the Tri-colours’ culture.

The Broncos went on to claim the 2020 wooden spoon following the sacking of Seibold and are anchored in the NRL’s bottom two this year.

They have since splashed $2.4 million to sign ageing South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds from 2022.

Walker has scored four tries in seven NRL games this season and produced some scintillating plays on the back of his freakish talent.

He has been heralded as a 10-year representative player and one of the game’s brightest playmaking prospects.

When asked if he felt his career would have progressed the same way if he remained at the Broncos, Walker said: “I obviously haven’t spoken to the coaches at the Broncos but I don’t believe so.

“The way ‘Robbo’ allows me to play my footy and the players that I have (around me) like James Tedesco ... to be able to play next to the best player in the world is something special.

“(I don’t have a point to prove to the Broncos). They wanted to keep me and a lot of other clubs wanted me.

The Walker brothers in their Broncos kit in 1999. Picture: David Kapernick

“But to be able to come to the Sydney Roosters ... as soon as they put an offer to me it was a no-brainer.”

Walker played his first NRL game at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday, scoring a try in the Roosters’ 30-16 Magic Round defeat of North Queensland and was solid despite being targeted defensively.

Broncos fans have every right to feel salty watching Walker tear up Suncorp given he could have played there every fortnight if the club was able to retain him.

“It was unbelievable to play in front of family and some of my best mates that haven’t seen me play yet,” Walker said.

“It was crazy to walk out in front of 45,000 at my home ground. It was something special.

“You know you can’t take a backwards step or breather for two seconds in defence.

“I definitely learned that. I will be better next week.”

Walker put any chance of a Red Hill return to bed last week when he inked a two-year deal to remain at the Roosters until at least 2023.

Sam Walker says Roosters coach Trent Robinson has been a major part of his development. Picture: Matt King/Getty

Robinson joked that he wanted to sign Walker to a 10-year extension but the teenager is happy to see how his career progresses over the coming seasons before committing long-term.

Walker said he told Robinson and powerful Roosters chairman Nick Politis he had no intentions of leaving the club.

“At the moment I’m learning and I want to show the club what I can do on the football field,” he said.

“I have spoken to Nick and Robbo and told them that I want to stay here long-term.

“I am really looking forward to the next couple of years and a lot more years to come after.

“I don’t worry about that (money and contracts), I let my manager and old man look after that.

“They see what the best option is for me and we go from there.”

Sam Walker after his first NRL game at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty

At only 74kg, Walker is a defensive target and is quickly learning about the demands of playing in the NRL.

He is still receiving painkilling injections in his shoulder before games and is nursing an ankle problem.

Despite his injury struggles, Walker said he had no plans of being rested in 2021 and wanted to play every game as the Roosters chase a top four berth.

“One hundred per cent, I don’t want to miss a game,” he said.

“Everyone has niggling injuries. Being a smaller body, I’m not used to the contact, you leave with more bruises after every game.

“I’ll get used to that, it’s nothing bad, no long-term injuries. I’ve got to keep pushing through I guess.”