Sam Walker produces modest NSW Cup performance after being dropped by Roosters

Dropped from the first grade squad ahead of the Anzac Day blockbuster, Sam Walker was expected to dominate in a NSW Cup outing - it was not to be.

Sam Walker plays NSW Cup as (inset) Trent Robinson and Nick Politis watch on. Picture: Damian Shaw

It was a low key appearance that was high in effort.

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker overcame the shock of being dropped in a spirited NSW Cup performance against St George Illawarra on Sunday afternoon.

Walker, still only 20, played in front of 300 to 400 fans at Wentworth Park, Glebe, instead of a 45,000 Anzac Day sell-out at Allianz Stadium against the Dragons.

But he couldn’t be accused of sulking.

Walker, dumped after the Roosters’ modest start to this year’s NRL season, had high involvement, a try assist and kicked three goals.

He looked frustrated at times in his side’s 30-18 loss but stayed busy and creative.

Walker varied up his passing game and defended effectively on his side’s right edge.

Sam Walker was solid but unspectacular. Picture: Damian Shaw

Among those in the crowd supporting and encouraging Walker were his father, Ben, Roosters coach Trent Robinson and club chairman, Nick Politis.

Roosters legend Jake Friend, part of the club’s academy coaching staff, was also there, as was football operations manager Chris James.

Walker, named Dally M rookie-of-the-year in 2021, did not wish to be interviewed by the media post-game, nor did Robinson.

But Cooper Cronk, part of the Roosters coaching staff, said on Fox League: “The reports were that he (Walker) played solid.”

As Fox League ran footage of the crowd showing Roosters’ powerbrokers, Cronk said: “And there’s a bit of support in Nick Politis, Trent Robinson, a few players and some board members there to see Sam, so it shows the care factor for the young man.

“And no doubt that he will continue to improve and be back in the Roosters’ first grade side soon.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson and boss Nick Politis in the stands. Picture: Damian Shaw

The Roosters scored the opening two tries on Sunday but conceded the next five. Both sides have struggled in NSW Cup this year, the modest standard on Sunday perhaps dragging Walker down.

Wentworth Park’s old dressing sheds, where Walker emerged, are far inferior to the new-age dressing rooms on offer at Allianz Stadium this Tuesday.

Bit different to running out at Allianz. pic.twitter.com/7rO4Ky98qb

— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) April 23, 2023

Star players Luke Keary and Joey Manu will play in the Roosters’ halves on Tuesday as Walker watches on.

“I can’t believe it’s taken them this long, to be honest. This is their best halves pairing,” former premiership-winning coach Phil Gould told 9.

“That’s nothing against Walker, but at the end of the day Keary has won premierships playing in that position, and Manu they’ve got to get closer to the ball, it’s as simple as that.”

Sam Walker during the Roosters’ reserve grade match against St George at Wentworth Park. Picture: Damian Shaw

Walker has only posted two NRL try assists in six games this season although the club’s hefty injury toll has impacted on the playmaker’s bid for consistency.

Last week, Robinson revealed Walker was still the preferred choice to be the club’s long-term halfback.

“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,” Robinson said.

“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.”

The Roosters’ NSW Cup team on Sunday also included Dylan Napa and Nathan Brown.

Originally published as Sam Walker produces modest NSW Cup performance after being dropped by Roosters