Sam Walker edges into World Cup contention after grand final run
Coach Kevin Walters says Sam Walker has ticked key boxes for Australia's World Cup halfback position after his injury comeback.
The Sydney Roosters playmaker has come back from an ankle injury to guide the club to this week's grand final against Newcastle, and Walters now sees him as a real candidate for the No. 7 jersey. Walters looks at three things: past Test experience, State of Origin form, and finals performance.
Walker has done well in the last two, being man of the match in Origin game two and shining in the preliminary final. The halfback role opened up after Penrith's Nathan Cleary got a season-ending injury.
Mitchell Moses and North Queensland's Tom Dearden are also in the mix. Walters said Walker's small size has not hurt his defence, which has been excellent this year.
His kicking game is also strong, and former Test half Greg Alexander said Walker is "comfortably a better player this year than he was last year".
- Sydney Roosters
- Walker's club
- Kevin Walters
- Coach
- Walker, Mitchell Moses, Tom Dearden
- Halves in contention
- 2-1 series loss to NSW
- State of Origin result
Why it mattersWalker's emergence as a serious World Cup candidate provides Australia with multiple quality options at halfback, crucial for a tournament squad.
AustraliaAn Australian NRL player's World Cup selection matters to rugby league fans and shapes Australia's hopes in the tournament.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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