Roosters coach Trent Robinson breaks silence on Sam Walker dropping, Cooper Cronk role

In an exclusive interview Roosters coach Trent Robinson has reveals how Sam Walker can regain his place in the first grade team and why it’s wrong to paint Cooper Cronk as the bad guy.

Trent Robinson (C) has opened up on Cooper Cronk's (R) role in Sam Walker (R) being dropped.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has thrown his full support behind Sam Walker declaring the dropped 20-year-old is still destined to be the club’s long-term half.

Robinson also revealed Cooper Cronk objected to plans to axe Walker to reserve grade with the coach making the final call.

In his first interview since making the headline grabbing decision, Robinson identified the parts of Walker’s game he needs to address but is adamant there is a clear path for him to return to the top grade.

(L-R) Sam Walker talks to Roosters coach Trent Robinson during a training session. Picture: Getty Images

THE DECISION

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Walker was demoted on Tuesday. He had been labelled the fall-guy for the Roosters poor start to the season with suggestions his time at the club could come to a premature end. Robinson wants to end the hysteria.

“I felt like he needed time to work on two things,” Robinson told News Corp. “I want him to run our system completely in reserve grade and free himself to find parts of his game that he has always had. I wanted him to go and rediscover that. The path to freedom is playing through your system.

“He has reacted really well and trained well this week.

“This is what we feel is best for Sam and his development and then for us.”

Roosters assistant coach Cooper Cronk wanted Walker to remain in the first grade side. Picture: Getty Images

CRONK’S INFLUENCE

Cronk’s role in the decision has also come into question. The six-time grand final winner works as a specialist coach at the Roosters and made his mark as one of the game’s best controlling halfbacks. Robinson said Cronk did not want Walker axed.

“His advice was the opposite and he wanted Sammy to play but I thought playing reserve grade was the best thing for his development,” said Robinson.

“That shows the belief Cooper has in him. Cooper assists those guys once a week in how they play and prepare for the game. But the Roosters system has been around for 10 years. There has been subtle changes during that time. I’ve spoken to Sam and he has no issues with Cooper. I take responsibility for getting everybody on the same system.”

WALKER’S LONG-TERM FUTURE

Robinson would not guarantee how long Walker would remain in NSW Cup. But he made it clear what his long-term intentions are with the 2021 Dally M rookie of the year winner.

“I 100 per cent believe in Sammy” Robinson said. “I believe in the way he plays and that he will be our long-term halfback. He has amazing vision for what’s in front of him and where edges are moving and where fullbacks are. I feel like he has vision for all of that and he can run a team. It’s just at 20 years old he has to keep pushing and working on his combinations.

“Sammy knows I believe in him.”

MANU SWITCH

What Walker’s demotion does is it provides an opportunity for Golden Boot winner Joey Manu to get his hands on the ball more. Luke Keary will start at halfback against the Dragons on Tuesday with Manu at five-eighth.

“He is a guy that’s good with his hands on the ball and reads the opposition really well,” Robinson said.

Angus Crichton impressed playing in a NSW Cup match between the Newtown Jets and the Sydney Roosters at Henson Park on April 15. Picture: Getty Images

CRICHTON RETURN

The Walker decision has overshadowed the return of Angus Crichton back into the NRL. He missed the start of the season as he dealt with personal issues before making his return in an 80 minute performance in the NSW Cup last Saturday.

“I liked what I saw from him,” Robinson said. “The physicality has been there the last couple of months but now he is in the right frame of mind to get back out there.”

The Roosters also welcome back Sitili Tupouniua.