The Sydney Roosters will continue to build their future around Sam Walker after staving off rivals to re-sign the NRL's best young halfback.
Previously linked with a return home to Brisbane, Walker's new two-year deal was announced only days after the player market opened on November 1. He will remain at the club through 2027.
The 22-year-old is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 campaign with the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in the penultimate round of the 2024 regular season.
But Walker is seen as vital to the Roosters maintaining their status as premiership heavyweights, a status set to be tested in 2025 following significant roster turnover.
“I’m really happy to be extending with the Roosters. This club feels like home and I’m grateful for the support of ‘Robbo’ (coach Trent Robinson), my teammates and all the staff,” said Walker.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to training later this month so I can keep working hard on my rehab and play my role for the team."
Veteran recruit Chad Townsend is on track to start the season in the halves alongside Sandon Smith as cover for Walker.
Walker has played 77 games for the Roosters since making his NRL debut in 2021, winning the Dally M Rookie of the Year award that season.
He has become particularly prized for his short kicking game, and has been earmarked as a future Queensland State of Origin player after being included in camps during recent seasons.
News of Walker's re-signing comes days after the Roosters made the surprise call to grant another of their star players, prop Terrell May, permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Luke Keary are among key Roosters to have already left the club following the preliminary final loss to Melbourne.
Captain James Tedesco headlines the list of Roosters players off-contract after 2025, with Brandon Smith and Egan Butcher also entering the last year of their deals.
