Sam Walker has backed new Sydney Roosters’ No. 7 Hugo Savala, and hopes he gets the chance to partner Queensland legend Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves next season.
In some rare good news for the spluttering Roosters, Walker set the record straight about his comeback from a ruptured ACL, insisting he was a chance to return as early as round 13 against the Raiders, but more likely a week after the bye in round 15 against the Knights.
There were suggestions Walker may have been sidelined until as late as August after rupturing his left ACL on the eve of the finals last year, and if there was even merit in keeping him on the ice the rest of the season, especially if it became apparent the Roosters were no chance of making the finals.
“But you always hear people talk about coming back around the nine-month mark after surgery, which for me will be in the middle of June,” Walker told this masthead.
“I’ve got the mindset I want to keep pushing myself to get back, as long as I’m feeling good and I have that confidence in the knee.
“Touch wood I’ve had no dramas so far. I’ve been running and kicking since January. It’s been a slow process, and every step in the recovery process takes about a month before you can go to that next level.
Sam Walker has set the record straight about his return date from knee surgery.Credit: Getty Images
“The only thing left to do is full contact, getting tackled, and having that confidence to step off the knee.
“I’m starting to jump back into the team stuff, and playing a bit, which is what I’ve missed the most. I’m not coming back if I’m 980 per cent, or 95 per cent – I need to be at 100 per cent so there’s no risk of missing another season.”
The Roosters have struggled without Walker after already farewelling halves partner Luke Keary (Catalans) at the end of last season, not to mention a glut of experience in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joey Suaalii (Rugby Australia) and Joey Manu (Japanese rugby).
Chad Townsend was only ever bought as a stop-gap halfback, and was dumped for Coogee Wombats towering No. 7 Savala for the daunting road trip to Suncorp Stadium and the Broncos on Friday night. The Roosters hopes of an upset will be even harder after Adam Reynolds confirmed he had shaken off a hamstring strain and will play.
“He’s a local junior, he killed it in the pre-season, and had a really good trial against the Knights,” Walker said.“He’s also had an impact in the few games he’s already played for us [off the bench].
“He’s a really good defender and has a long kicking game. I’m actually excited to see what he can bring.
“I always knew it was going to be annoying having to watch this first half of the season, and as much as I can try and help out with video sessions and on the field at training, not having a say on the actual result is frustrating.
“We’re heading in the really good direction as a club, and fingers crossed we’re in a good [ladder] position by the time me and ‘Cheese’ [Brandon Smith] get back out there.”
The Roosters No. 7 is helped from the field in round 26 last year.Credit: NRL Images
Smith, who has already signed with South Sydney for next season, is slated for a round-16 return, which could yet be with the Bunnies.
The Roosters have been linked to 36-year-old Cherry-Evans, and Walker was certainly excited by the chance to combine with the premiership winner.
“He’s done it all in the game and we’d love to have him at the Roosters, that’s for sure,” Walker said.
“You’d love to have someone of his calibre. I said the same thing when there was talk of Ben Hunt potentially coming here.
“Being a Queenslander, and having spent time with him in Origin camp, the way he carries himself, he’s a professional. Daly would be welcomed here with open arms.”
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