Leeds-born Rugby League World Cup star at centre of shock NRL contact twist

Scrum-half Sam Walker made his debut for Australia in their 36-22 World Cup win against Fiji yesterday (Sunday), having also broken into the Queensland State of Origin side this year and won the NRL Grand Final with Sydney Roosters three weeks ago. Walker’s Roosters contract expires at the end of 2027 and other clubs will be able to approach him if he doesn’t sign a new deal before then.

The Sydney outfit are keen to keep the 24-year-old, who - according to reports Down Under - been offered a club-record deal worth up to six million Australian dollars over four years. However, his future there was thrown into doubt by a statement issued from the Roosters today.

It said: “The Sydney Roosters have this evening advised the management of Sam Walker that the club’s offer for a contract extension beyond the 2027 season has been withdrawn after the parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms. The club remains focused on maintaining a Premiership-winning roster, with all recruitment and retention decisions made to support the strength, balance and long-term success of the playing squad.”

The Aussie media say the offer to Walker, who made his NRL debut in 2021, has already been increased from 1.1 million dollars per season in August to more than 1.3m this month, making him one of the most valuable players in the sport. Walker was born in West Yorkshire during his father Ben Walker’s single season with Leeds Rhinos in 2004.

Ben Walker is currently joint-coach - with his brother Shane Walker - of Queensland Cup club Western Clydesdales. He was linked to the then vacant coaching role at Castleford Tigers last month, but revealed he had ruled himself out of the running.