NRL transfer market: Sam Walker to stay with Roosters, Angus Crichton turns down rugby
He’s been linked with a move home to Queensland with either the NRL’s newest franchise or the Broncos, but there’s a big reason Sam Walker’s unlikely to leave Sydney.
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The father of the NRL’s hottest young playmaker has all but ruled out any hope of home grown Queenslander Sam Walker becoming the face of the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins for the foreseeable future.
While confessing “it has definitely crossed my mind” to have his son back living closer to family in Brisbane, Ben Walker was adamant that “unless things change (at the Sydney Roosters) then I wouldn’t think he would be moving.”
Ben also revealed that Sam was already back training for next season, while opening up on the true extent of the injuries to both shoulders that didn’t stop the teenager playing 21 NRL games and finishing with the Dally M rookie of the year honours.
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NOT FOR SALE
Walker still has two full seasons to run on his existing Roosters contract which means he can’t talk to rival clubs until November 1 next year.
But just like Storm superstar Cameron Munster, who is also off contract at the end of 2023, that hasn’t stopped the Roosters young gun already being linked to a future move to either the Dolphins or the Broncos.
Ben Walker himself debuted under Bennett at the Broncos in 1995 while he is also a close mate of current Broncos head of football Ben Ikin.
And while Munster has been the obvious target for the Dolphins so far, given what the 27-year-old has already accomplished and the fact Munster has admitted he would consider a return to play under Bennett, there is just no denying the 19-year-old Walker is going to be a player in equally huge demand in the next 12 months. He could potentially be the face of any club for the next 15 years.
Recently crowned this year’s rookie of the year, Walker is already seen as the obvious heir to Daly Cherry-Evans as Queensland halfback, and as he matures he could potentially challenge even Nathan Cleary as the future Test No 7.
Without anyone getting ahead of themselves, young Walker has not only showed he has a phenomenal skill level but a raw toughness and ability to play through pain beyond his years.
But as far as the Walkers see it, the way the Roosters — under chairman Nick Politis and coach Trent Robinson — managed Sam’s rookie season only further endeared the club to the family.
Although Ben did concede it would be good to have his son back living in Brisbane and being coached by Bennett.
“I know him very well,” Walker said about Bennett.
“When I say that he could be a 15-year player at the Roosters as their halfback, well, he could be a 12 or 13-year player at the Dolphins, too.
“But, going back to my original thoughts, he is very happy where he is.
“We have always said it, if everything stays the same there wouldn’t be any reason for him to leave.
“We have known since he was a kid he was always going to be a halfback who could pretty much stay at one club and have success for long periods.
“So there is really no need to chop and change and try and chase success because they will have it there (at the Roosters).
“Really, what would you pack up and leave for?”
Told the obvious drawcards would be to play for a Queensland club and be closer to family, Ben reasoned: “Yeah that is true. But he is only one hour and 10 minutes away on a flight (from Sydney).
“So once things open up it is not that bad really.
“And you only do it for a number of years.
“But it has definitely crossed our mind.
“Like, it has definitely crossed my mind, ‘this would be nice, he might come home’.
“But at the end of the day I go back to what I just said. Unless things change he will be there. They (the Roosters) are pretty stable.”
PLAYING THROUGH PAIN
Walker revealed Sam was already back doing some training in preparation for next season.
“He had 21 games in his first year. I can’t think of anyone that we played with that had that many in their first year,” Ben added.
“I think I had two my first year, (brothers) Shane had four, I think Chris had four or six. Locky (Darren Lockyer) had about eight or 10, maybe a few more but not many.
“He and I debuted the same game and that was sort of mid-year and he didn’t play every game.
“But for a kid it is a big effort to have 21 games in his first year.”
And to do it carrying two separate grade two AC shoulder injuries only adds merit what he accomplished.
Ben didn’t hide how proud he was: “He did his first shoulder the week before his debut in reserve grade.
“Tautau Moga got him.
“So he played with a needle from his first game.
“He did his shoulder again against the Titans, his other shoulder, and they took him off, needled him, and he came back on and kicked the field goal.
“I was really proud.
“I have always known he had the skill but until you start playing you don’t know whether they are tough enough.
“His skill is next level but his toughness is there too.
“He has had a very good year and he has started training already. He can’t wait for next year which is a good sign.”
CRICHTON SNUBS RUGBY IN HUGE SHOW OF FAITH
— David Riccio
The Roosters’ mission to remain a premiership-contender remains on track with NSW Origin star Angus Crichton re-signing with the club.
Rejecting overtures to break ranks and switch to rugby union, Crichton has agreed to terms on a new two-year deal that will keep him at the NRL heavyweights until the end of 2024.
The contract extension is a two-pronged victory for the tricolours, who have warded off potential suitors preparing to make a play for Crichton from November 1.
Crichton’s commitment to remain in the NRL with the Roosters is a major win for the code while his contract extension is pivotal for the club’s security in the back row following the retirement of captain Boyd Cordner.
There had been speculation in August that the Roosters were in danger of losing Crichton to Rugby Australia ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Crichton played the 15-a-side format throughout his junior years, representing the Australian Schoolboys rugby union team before signing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016.
However, with his contract due to expire at the end of 2022, the 116-gamer has alleviated any uncertainty by locking in his future with the Chooks.
TIGERS’ BID FOR HODGSON GAINS CRUCIAL SUPPORT
— Dean Ritchie
Wests Tigers’ bid to prise Josh Hodgson out of Canberra has taken its most significant step with Tim Sheens voicing his full-support behind the hooker’s looming signature.
Sheens, recently appointed the Wests Tigers head of performance, is suddenly the most powerful voice within the football department with the final say on the club’s recruitment.
Still in the UK, Sheens has been working the phones in recent days with the Tigers hierarchy — making it clear that Hodgson should be a priority pick-up with the English international’s experience and class desperately required by the club.
Significantly and the key to the deal being done, is that the 70-year-old has also maintained a strong relationship with many of the Raiders key decision-makers.
Sheens spent more than a decade in Canberra and is the longest-serving coach in the club’s history.
Negotiations between Hodgson’s management and the Tigers are set to continue on Friday.
News Corp has been told Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire have spoken in-depth about Hodgson’s possible transfer to Concord.
The major obstacle will be exactly how much Wests Tigers want Canberra to tip in for the deal to eventuate. Canberra fears the amount might be too high.
Hodgson, 31, has another season remaining on his current Raiders contract but the switch would be immediate should a deal can be struck.
Canberra has Tom Starling ready to step up and take over the club’s dummy-half and hooking duties should Hodgson leave.
Hodgson would be happy to stay but wants another long-term NRL deal before retiring.
Raiders recruitment guru Peter Mulholland is also across the negotiations.
Sources close to the talks claim Wests Tigers’ offer for Hodgson would span two, possibly three seasons.
Hodgson has been linked to multiple clubs over the past 12 months.
There were suggestions Hodgson was restless at Canberra but Stuart maintains a strong bond with the English star.
Securing Hodgson would be a massive signing for the struggling Wests Tigers.
Should Canberra reject Wests Tigers’ approach, Hodgson would stay on and complete his deal with the Raiders next season.
Wests Tigers have already signed Great Britain internationals Jackson Hastings and Oliver Gildart and former NSW utility Tyrone Peachey for next season.
Sheens, Stuart and Maguire were all at Canberra during the 1980s. Stuart and Maguire were playing with Sheens the head coach.
Maguire is known to be a fan of Hodgson, who was part of Canberra’s 2019 grand final side.
Hodgson may be prepared to take a contract reduction to secure a new long-term contract.
Stuck in England through Covid, Sheens has been attempting to return home for the past three months. West Tigers have used Jacob Liddle as hooker but Hodgson would give the club more strike out of dummy half.
WHY ROOSTERS WILL BE CASHED UP IN 2023
Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho is being hunted by English Super League runners-up Catalans.
News Corp has been told Taukeiaho is attracted to southern France and may join the Dragons when his current deal expires at Bondi after next season.
Taukeiaho is also good mates with Catalans and former Sydney Rooster prop Sam Moa, who plays for Aude-based French first division club Football Club de Lezignan.
There were suggestions that Taukeiaho wanted to leave for France after this year but the Roosters want Taukeiaho at Bondi for 2022.
His looming departure – while still unconfirmed – will allow the Roosters to aggressively enter the open market in 2023.
It is understood the Roosters don’t have much leverage in their cap for 2022 but that will free up the following year.
As one NRL recruitment manager said: “They are supposed to come into some money for ‘23. That’s scary because you don’t want the Roosters with too much money in the marketplace.”
Taukeiaho has been a wonderful and consistent performer at the Roosters, despite being troubled with knee and hamstring injuries.
Taukeiaho is confident he can secure a strong financial deal at Catalans, while still young enough to be a force in Super League.
DOLPHINS ROSTER BUILDER: We create a $9.3m dream team
He could earn as much as $650,000 a season in Super League.
The Roosters will now focus on re-signing gun centre Joey Manu, who comes off contract after next season.
Manu could command an annual wage of around $900,000 a season.
Roosters and NSW forward Angus Crichton is off contract now but is expected to be re-signed. Crichton has become a forward leader at Bondi.
Taukeiaho joined the Roosters in 2015 and was involved in the club’s premiership triumphs in 2018 and 2019.
Catalans enjoyed a historic surge into the Super League grand final at Old Trafford last Sunday, falling 12-10 to St Helens.
Taukeiaho debuted with the New Zealand Warriors in 2013.
He was part of the biggest upset in international rugby league history in 2019, captaining Tonga to a shock 16-12 win over Australia.
DRAGONS ON RECRIUTMENT CRUSADE
— Michael Carayannis
St George Illawarra’s recruitment blitz is set to continue with the Dragons agreeing to a deal with Manly back-rower Jack Gosiewski.
The Dragons have been among the most active clubs in the player market adding a string of high profile players — particularly forwards — to the club for next season.
Gosiewski, 27, is expected to join ex-Sea Eagles teammate Moses Suli at the Dragons on a cut-price deal.
He was off-contract at season’s end after Manly opted not to extend his deal. He played 46 top grade games at Manly after joining the club from the Rabbitohs in 2018.
St George Illawarra could field a totally revamped forward pack heading into next season. Aside from Gosiewski they have added representative players Jaydn Su’A, Francis Molo and George Burgess. Ex-Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods’ arrival is expected to be announced this week while Tariq Sims is set to see out the last year of his contract.
It is understood Burgess is ahead of schedule and has impressed plenty already as he makes his recovery from a serious hip operation.
St George Illawarra also signed utility Moses Mbye and journeyman Tautau Moga.
The Dragons have also had discussions with Parramatta back-rower Marata Niukore in the hopes of securing him on a long-term deal. Nikuore is not off-contract until the end of next season and it is unlikely that the Eels would release him early.
The Warriors have also made a significant play for Nikuore.
The additions of Gosiewski and Woods takes the Dragons to a roster size of 29.
RABBITOHS’ GIANT JOINS RIVAL
— Dean Ritchie
Giant centre Tautau Moga has quit South Sydney for St George Illawarra.
Moga, 27, agreed to terms on Monday afternoon and will shortly begin training with his new club in Wollongong.
Since debuting back in 2012, Moga has represented five clubs – Sydney Roosters, North Queensland, Brisbane, Newcastle and Souths.
Moga, who stands 194cms and weighs 109kg, was part of the Rabbitohs’ extended squad this year but played little football.
He has always lived with considerable expectation but has been forced to endure a career littered with injuries. While primarily a centre, Moga can also play wing and fullback.
“He will bring depth and experience,” said St George Illawarra coach, Anthony Griffin.
“Tautau is only 27 so, potentially, he has his best footy in front of him.
“He has had a run of outs with knee injuries but we think we can get him back to his best.
“Tautau has been to a few clubs but he is a big body and has played some good football, even though he had injuries over the years.
“He had a great season for Brisbane about three, four years ago (2017) but has just had a terrible run, a little bit like Jack Bird.”
It is understood Moga signed a one-year contract with Saints. He has previously played three Tests for Samoa.
Moga’s departure comes as Souths re-sign hardworking forward Mark Nicholls, 31, to a new two-year deal.
“I love this club and everything it does for me and my family. It’s an honour to wear the red and green,” Nicholls said.
“I love the group of players and coaches we have, the members are second-to-none, and hopefully I can repay them all by helping us go one step further than we did this year by winning the premiership.”
SACKED BULLDOG’S LIFELINE, FOGARTY’S HUGE PAY RISE
— Paul Crawley
Canberra has emerged as a shock contender to sign Canterbury outcast Adam Elliott.
It comes as the Raiders prepare to officially announce the signing of Jamal Fogarty on Monday on a three-three year deal worth about $400,000-a-season.
The former Gold Coast captain was said to be on about $200,000 at the Titans but this pay rise still makes Fogarty among the cheapest first-choice halfbacks in the NRL, and a bargain replacement for unhappy Englishman George Williams who was on about $600,000-a-season.
Fogarty is still only 27 and the Raiders believe his style of play will work well with Jack Wighton.
It can be revealed that the Raiders are also debating whether to throw Elliott a lifeline after he agreed to a mutual parting of ways at the Bulldogs following a string of off-field incidents.
Elliott had been linked to the Wests Tigers but that is not expected to happen now.
Depending on who you listen to there is mail Elliott was offered a deal at the Tigers but baulked at going there.
There are also suggestions the Tigers had their own reservations.
Either way, there appears little chance now that Elliott will be at the Tigers when they return for pre-season in November.
But Elliott does have a long standing friendship with Raiders recruitment chief Peter Mulholland who initially signed him at the Bulldogs years ago.
Ricky Stuart also thinks Elliott is at least worth of having a conversation with.
If Elliott can convince the Raiders he deserves a chance then it might be his best hope of saving his NRL career.
The Raiders have a strong record of providing a good environment and being out of the Sydney spotlight would no doubt be good for Elliott right now to try and get his career back on track.
The Raiders already have good depth in the back row with the likes of Elliott Whitehead, Joe Tapine, Hudson Young, Corey Harawira-Naera and Corey Horsburgh.
But they have lost Sia Soliola, Ryan James, Dunamis Lui and Saliva Havili so they do need to add to their forward stocks, and Elliott could play in the middle or on an edge.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are expecting Tim Sheens’ long awaited arrival is now a matter of weeks away.
With $1 million still to spend on next year’s salary cap, Sheens has been tentatively booked for a flight back from England on October 21.
The Tigers have some players returning for pre-season on November 3 but the majority of the senior squad return on November 15.
REVIVAL PLAN: FOXX VOWS TO BRING STORM MENTALITY TO DOGS
— Dean Ritchie
While being photographed for the first time wearing the club’s famous blue and white, Bulldogs recruit Josh Addo-Carr has spoken about Canterbury’s remarkable buying spree, claiming: “I have come at a good time”.
And the Fox may well be right.
News Corp can reveal Addo-Carr will be one of seven club debutants in a rejuvenated Bulldogs side for round one next year – the equal most since 2018.
He will join fellow stars Matt Dufty, Braidon Burns, Matt Burton, Paul Vaughan, Tevita Pangai and Brent Naden in a totally revamped 2022 Bulldogs team.
Addo-Carr popped into Belmore on Wednesday to meet senior officials before embarking on the arduous task of trying to lift Canterbury from the premiership cellar.
Newcastle fielded nine debutants in a match in 2018, the same number as St George Illawarra in 2007. Several clubs in that time, including Canterbury’s Class of 2022, fielded seven players in their debut games for their respective clubs, including Newcastle (2019), Manly (2016) and Gold Coast (2016).
“It feels pretty weird (being at a new club) but I’m super excited for 2022 and I can’t wait to rip in with the boys and get to know everyone here,” Addo-Carr told Bulldogs.com.
“The club is definitely moving in the right direction. I think I have come at a good time.
“There are some awesome players here at the moment but the club has signed some fantastic players. I’m keen to learn from them and vice-versa.
“I just can’t wait to meet the fans well. I always hear that they’re really passionate and love their footy. I’m keen to play some footy.”
ðŸ ᴛʜᴇ Ò“á´x trots into Belmore. pic.twitter.com/Bi4vPL1iTy
— Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (@NRL_Bulldogs) October 7, 2021
After five glorious seasons at Melbourne, Addo-Carr has returned to Sydney to depart from his “comfort zone”.
Amid suggestions he would join Souths or Wests Tigers, the NSW winger elected for a new career at Belmore.
“The biggest reason I came to Sydney was family. I think everyone knows that,” he said.
“But, for myself, it was probably so I could step out of my comfort zone. I’ve come to the Bulldogs, I love helping people and will try to lead the club in the right direction. That’s the biggest reason.
“I spent five years in Melbourne. I obviously have some great memories but I wanted to try something new and step out of my comfort zone. I’ve come to a new team, a fresh team.”
Addo-Carr won’t be remaining silent on his wing next season. While admitting he wasn’t vocal in team meetings, Addo-Carr acknowledged being a leader on the field.
“I think I have always been a leader in some way,” he said.
“I don’t really talk too much in meetings, or that kind of stuff, but I can connect with people on the training paddock and on the field.
“I believe I can help my teammates around me. If the team isn’t going good then you’re not going good. The more I can put into the team, the more I am going to get out of it.
“The ultimate goal is to help the team, push them in the right direction and show them what it takes to win week in, week out, be consistent, then that will put a smile on everyone’s faces.
“Melbourne has some outstanding leaders down there and I have learnt from the best.”
Asked where he secured his extroverted personality, Addo-Carr said: “I definitely get it from my mum (Melissa) and dad (Joey). They used to teach me when I was kid not to change for anyone.
“They said to always be respectful and that will take you far in life. And I have done that ever since mum and dad told me and it’s led me to this position. I just love having a good time and putting a smile on people’s faces. That’s me.”
EELS’ DESPERATE FIGHT TO KEEP 13 STARS
—Paul Crawley
Rival NRL clubs are watching with interest as Parramatta attempts to negotiate its way through a $5 million player market minefield this off-season.
In what’s shaping up as a desperate fight to keep its premiership-ready squad together, the Eels will have no less than 13 of their current top squad who will be up for grabs come November 1.
This is when players off contract at the end of next season are free to start negotiating with other clubs for 2023.
The list includes skipper Clint Gutherson, star hooker Reed Mahoney, NSW prop Junior Paulo, buy-of-the-year Isaiah Papali’i, Ryan Matterson, Marata Niukore, Oregon Kaufusi, Ray Stone, Haze Dunster and Tom Opacic.
On top of that Dylan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Maika Sivo all have player options in their favour, meaning they can also canvas outside interest from next month.
There is no question the way Brad Arthur’s team finished the season showed that this is a group of players who will want to stay together.
And many are saying 2022 might just be the Eels’ best chance in years to finally break that premiership drought that stretches all the way back to 1986. But the salary cap only stretches so far, and market forces can be extremely distracting when cashed up rivals are on the hunt.
The elephant in the room is the second Brisbane franchise that is just days away from getting the green light to kick off in 2023.
That means come November 1, they will also be in the market for an entire squad.
Queenslander Mahoney in particular has been identified as a prime target for the new Brisbane franchise.
Canberra’s veteran recruitment chief Peter Mulholland is already on record saying “every club is going to suffer” from an “inflated” player market in 2023 due to the introduction of the new team.
But it is hard to imagine any club in a more precarious position than Parramatta right now, given the Eels will have to play hardball to try to keep this squad together.
And while much of the focus so far has been on the club’s need to make Gutherson and Mahoney the priority signings, it is a fact rival clubs are also keeping a close eye on what happens with the back row stocks in particular.
The Eels are fully aware of the urgent need to upgrade Papali’i’s deal given Parramatta’s joint player-of-the-year came across from the Warriors on a reported $140,000, and has since proven he’s worth four times that figure.
Niukore is another who had an outstanding season and is in demand with the Warriors and St George Illawarra showing interest.
At this stage it looks like Tariq Sims will stay at the Dragons for the final year of his contract but that could also change if the NSW backrower gets offered a longer deal elsewhere.
Matterson is on a reported $470,000 which makes him the club’s highest-paid backrower.
But given he also finished the season playing off the bench and has a concussion history, it will be interesting to see how the Eels handle Matterson’s negotiations.
Also factor in the Eels have already locked up Shaun Lane and Bryce Cartwright until the end of 2023, and the club has highly promising Australian Schoolboy Jock Brazel coming through.
The Eels have initiated talks with several of these players, including Gutherson, Mahoney and Paulo. But there is no doubt with so much work to get through this has the potential to leave them vulnerable in the coming months.
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Originally published as NRL transfer market: Sam Walker to stay with Roosters, Angus Crichton turns down rugby
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