Roosters star Sam Walker learns fate for ugly tackle that left David Klemmer grimacing in pain

Returning Roosters halfback has learnt his fate after an ugly tackle in his NRL comeback game left a veteran grimacing in pain.

Roosters halfback Sam Walker can count his lucky stars after he avoided being charged for an ugly tackle that injured Dragons prop David Klemmer.

In the 26th minute on Saturday, with the Dragons leading 18-12, the veteran forward took a hit-up before being tackled by two Roosters players.

Then for whatever reason Walker, the third man in, cannoned into his legs below the knee.

“He has gone down awkwardly there and Walker went low and Klemmer was wincing before he got to the ground,” Dan Ginnane said.

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“It’s a penalty for the third man in and dangerous contact.

“He might be in more trouble than just giving away a penalty, he might get 10 in the bin.”

Referee Grant Atkins wasted no time in sending Walker for 10 minutes as Klemmer hobbled off.

“Third man in, it’s low, it’s avoidable, there is force and high risk of injury, 10 in the bin,” Atkins said.

You can watch the ugly incident in the player at the top of the page.

Sam Walker has avoid suspension for a cannonball tackle on Dragons forward David Klemmer. Image: Kayo/Getty

Dan Ginnane added: “Sam Walker in his return game has been sent to the sin bin. He will get 10 minutes to think about that.”

And many felt Walker, who was making his return from injury, was set for another stint on the sidelines for his ugly tackle.

But on Sunday, as the NRL sent around the charge sheet for Saturday’s games, Walker was a notable omission.

And safe to say NRL fans were largely stunned.

“What a rort,” one fan wrote on X in response to the news that Walker had avoided suspension.

“You’re kidding?! That’s a couple of weeks if I’ve ever seen it,” another added.

While a third said: “What …??? The NRL and judiciary are a joke.”

– with Fox Sports

Originally published as Roosters star Sam Walker learns fate for ugly tackle that left David Klemmer grimacing in pain