Leeds-born NRL half-back Sam Walker is set to make a huge move to one of the league’s most high-profile moves.
The 22-year-old was born in Leeds while his father, Ben Walker, was playing for the Leeds Rhinos at the time.
Ben Walker, the father, made 28 appearances for the Rhinos as a half-back, scoring 12 tries.
His uncle, also named Ben Walker, represented Queensland in State of Origin and had a brief stint in Super League with the Catalans Dragons in 2010.
The younger Walker moved back to Australia in 2003 when his father left Leeds to join the Manly Sea Eagles. Starting his career with the Brisbane Broncos, he joined the Sydney Roosters in 2019 and has since become a key player in their squad, earning the 2021 Dally M Rookie of the Year award.
In 2022, he achieved a notable feat by kicking 12 goals from 12 attempts in a significant victory over the Wests Tigers, finishing the season as the Roosters’ top points-scorer.
This year, he has been nearly always on the field for the Roosters, but there’s speculation that he might be on the verge of transferring to another team.
Sam Walker set for $1 million per season NRL transfer
Credit: Imago Images
According to Fox Sports, Sam Walker may be considering a return to his roots with the Brisbane Broncos, where he began his career. The Broncos are reportedly interested in signing him, but they face competition from the Sydney Roosters, who are eager to keep him but have not yet secured a contract extension.
Walker has been a standout performer in the NRL, excelling in points and try assists, which has been crucial to the Roosters’ recent success, placing them in the top four of the league table.
There is speculation that Walker could potentially replace Adam Reynolds, the current Broncos half-back who plans to retire at the end of next year. Additionally, many see Walker as a potential future Queensland representative in the halves, following in the footsteps of his relatives.
Walker’s contract with the Roosters runs until 2025, allowing him to negotiate with other clubs starting from November this year. Despite a reported salary of around $1 million per season, the Roosters have financial flexibility after losing key players like Joseph Manu, Luke Keary, Joseph Sua’ali’i, and Jared Warea-Hargreaves, which could aid their efforts to retain him.