Sam Walker hint as Roosters face sudden-death test against Sharks
Sydney's NRL season hangs by a thread after a 19-12 loss to Penrith, though playmaker Sam Walker could return for Saturday's must-win semi against Cronulla.
The Roosters' qualifying final ended in heartbreak when Penrith winger Brian To'o scored late after a Nathan Cleary field goal put the Panthers ahead. Daly Cherry-Evans, the Roosters' halfback, shanked one attempt to level the score after Cleary's one pointer, then abandoned another under immense pressure from the Panthers defenders.
Coach Trent Robinson backed Cherry-Evans to bounce back, saying the loss was not down to the missed kicks alone. The Roosters now face Cronulla at home on Saturday in a sudden-death semi-final.
Walker, the young playmaker, had syndesmosis surgery a fortnight ago and has returned to running. Robinson said there was a chance Walker could play, though he was non-committal.
- Penrith 19 Roosters 12
- Qualifying final score
- 72nd
- Cleary's field goal minute
- Saturday
- Deadline
- fortnight ago
- Walker's surgery timeframe
Why it mattersThe Roosters' finals campaign is on the line this weekend. A loss to Cronulla ends their season, so Walker's fitness could make the difference between progressing or going home.
AustraliaSydney Roosters fans face an anxious wait for Saturday's match after a loss that felt preventable. Walker's return would bolster their chances against a rival Sharks side.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 d ago
