‘Name his own price’: Roosters star tipped to hit open market as rivals line up to land $1.8m blow

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker is considering testing his value on the NRL market amid suggestions he could “almost name his own price”.

NRL 2024 RD09 BRISBANE BRONCOS V SYDNEY ROOSTERS – SAM WALKER

Roosters halfback Sam Walker is considering testing his value on the NRL market amid suggestions he could “almost name his own price” if he helps the Tricolours win the premiership.

The 22-year-old, who is under contract until the end of 2025, will become a free agent from November 1 unless he pens a deal with the Roosters.

Last month, the Roosters reportedly tabled a two-year extension worth $1.8 million, while the Broncos have expressed interest in signing the halfback.

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However, speaking on Fox League’s NRL 360 on Tuesday evening, Fox League’s Paul Crawley said his information indicated that Walker would end up going to market.

“He’s backing himself, and he’s entitled to do so,” Crawley said.

“The rules say from November 1 he can talk to other clubs, and he’s put himself in a position where he would be a wanted man for his next contract.

“The Roosters side of the equation is there a few players at that club who would be ahead of him in the pecking order, and you have to structure your salary cap to meet those demands.

“It’s a business these days.”

Rugby league journalist David Riccio continued: “The only winner here is Sam Walker, because his stocks aren’t going to go backwards unless there’s a major calamity in this finals series.

“If he goes and wins the premiership, he could almost name his own price.”

Sam Walker of the Roosters. Picture: NRL Photos

Queensland legend Gorden Tallis questioned whether any of the NRL’s powerhouse clubs were in need of a halfback, but Crawley pointed out where opportunities could arise in the next couple of years.

“Will (Daly) Cherry-Evans still be playing in 2026/27? I don’t know about that,” Crawley said.

“I think there’s going to be a few openings. (Adam) Reynolds is going, Cherry-Evans, he could play a couple more years, but you don’t know.

“Newcastle’s another club that are after a halfback, you don’t know how Lewis Dodd’s going to work out at Souths.

“There could be many options.”

Walked has played 75 games for the Roosters since his debut in 2021, scoring 24 tries and 534 points.

The Roosters, currently third on the NRL ladder with 14 wins, will next face the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Sunday at 2pm AEST.

Originally published as ‘Name his own price’: Roosters star tipped to hit open market as rivals line up to land $1.8m blow