Sam Walker eyes NRL return just three weeks after ankle surgery
Sam Walker is unlikely to be fit for Sydney Roosters' preliminary final against Cronulla, just three weeks after syndesmosis surgery.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson hinted at the possibility that halfback Sam Walker might suit up against the Sharks on Saturday. This would be less than a month after surgery on his ankle.
A syndesmosis injury typically sidelines players for 12 weeks. But Walker returned to running only 12 days after surgery.
This would make a comeback unusual in the modern game. Billy Slater called the prospect "crazy" on his podcast.
Robinson said with a smirk after Sunday's loss to Penrith: "Never say never." The Roosters face other injury concerns.
Second-rower Egan Butcher failed a head injury assessment in that same match. Star back-rower Angus Crichton is also doubtful with a foot injury.
This leaves Robinson short-handed for a sudden-death final.
- 12 days
- Days post-surgery to running
- 3 weeks
- Weeks post-surgery to potential match
- 12 weeks
- Typical syndesmosis recovery
- Cronulla Sharks
- Match opponent
Why it mattersThe Roosters' season depends on this match; a loss sends them home. Walker's fitness could be the difference between reaching the Grand Final or elimination.
AustraliaWalker plays for Queensland and the Roosters in the NRL, so a quick recovery would be a boost for both; any setback puts two seasons at risk.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 d ago
