Sam Walker returns from ankle injury for Roosters grand final chase
Sam Walker returns from ankle injury to play in Sunday's grand final, and winning could boost his stalled contract talks.
Sam Walker overcame a severe ankle injury. Walker played a key role in the Roosters' preliminary final win on Friday.
The victory set up a grand final appearance on Sunday. The 24-year-old suffered the syndesmosis injury in round 26.
He faced initial fears he would not play again this season. After surgery and intensive recovery work including hyperbaric treatment, Walker returned in time for the finals run.
Sam Walker's contract talks with the Roosters had paused last month. The gap was around $1 million over four years.
His camp sought around $1.7 million per season from 2028. The club offered less.
If Walker inspires the Roosters' first premiership since 2019, his value will surge. Then he would perform at the upcoming World Cup.
His value will grow significantly when he becomes a free agent after November 1.
- 24
- Player age
- Syndesmosis
- Injury type
- $1 million over four years
- Contract gap
- Roosters 36-20 Dolphins
- Preliminary final score
Why it mattersWalker's grand final performance could transform his contract leverage and reshape the Roosters' salary cap picture for the coming years.
AustraliaThe Roosters are chasing their first NRL premiership in seven years; Walker's injury recovery and contract future affects the club's ability to build a competitive squad.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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