Tyson Walker, brother of NRL star Sam, on life with Roosters, juggling school-league commitments

Tyson Walker brings an unmatched bloodline to the Roosters SG Ball program, with the 17-year-old young gun having older brother and NRL star Sam to guide him on his journey.

Tyson Walker of the Sydney Roosters SG Ball U19s team. Picture: Wayne Leong

The famous Walker surname has another young gun to get excited about.

17-year-old Tyson is the latest to make his mark with the Sydney Roosters as a young halfback on the rise.

Currently in his first season of SG Ball (U19s), Tyson is the younger brother of NRL star Sam and son of former Bronco Ben.

Last year he signed a two-year deal with the Roosters as he juggles school life with a desire to make the big time in league.

Walker is studying in Year 12 at Ipswich Grammar. He admits trying to strike the right balance is something he is adjusting to, but is tackling the challenge head on.

“It’s good. I reckon it’s a big step up,” he said.

Tyson Walker played in the Cyril Connell Cup with Ipswich last year. Photo: Mitchell Ensby/QRL

“Leaving home and coming down every Wednesday is still a bit difficult with school. But it’s getting my head around it and making it a reality.”

Something that has made life easier is the influence of Sam.

Tyson said his knowledge of how to prepare and get himself ready has been invaluable throughout his strong start to the season.

“It’s been good with my brother down here. It helps a lot, just guiding me through,” he said.

“It’s more the professionalism, rocking up every day before training, getting there early and getting all the stuff you need to do.

“Not just the training but the recovery side of it to make sure you can be healthy for every game.

“That’s a big part of it as well.”

Sam Walker represented the Queensland U18s. Picture: Adam Head

Coming off a minor premiership last year, the Roosters have enjoyed an undefeated start to the SG Ball season, where Walker is steering the ship as halfback and goalkicker.

So far to start the season he sits third in the pointscoring ranks (one try, 12 goals) and already has six try assists.

He helped navigate a comeback against St George from 12 points down at halftime at the weekend, and said he’s enjoying the freedom he’s playing with.

“Playing off our middles is the best,” he said.

“You get so much time and freedom to do whatever you want when our middles keep carrying it forward.

“It makes my job a lot easier.”

Walker and the Roosters face off with fellow undefeated side Canberra in round four action at Mascot Oval this weekend.