Sydney Roosters players want Sam Walker to remain with the club for the final year of his contract, even though the club has withdrawn its $1.2 million-a-season extension and told him he can leave.
Tedesco said: “He’ll be hard to replace – we need him next year.”
The 33-year-old skipper, who has had several conversations with Walker about the situation, said the 24-year-old playmaker was disappointed a new deal could not be reached. Tedesco said the Roosters’ point of view could be understood.
“You can understand the Roosters’ point of view. They wanted to get it [the extension] done,” Tedesco told this masthead.
Walker helped steer the Roosters to the 2026 NRL grand final win and remains under contract for one more season. The withdrawal of the extension followed his management asking for more money.
Several clubs are already circling. Walker has been linked to Canterbury, especially if Matt Burton secures a move to the Perth Bears. The PNG Chiefs are also monitoring his situation, but only if they fail to lure Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary.
Tedesco, who has taken on a mentoring role in the Kangaroos camp, also spoke about the advice he gives Reece Walsh, the young fullback tipped to keep Tedesco out of the side for Sunday’s World Cup semi-final against Samoa. “He’s always asking me for advice if I see anything, including defensively,” Tedesco said.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Walker’s decision will shape the Roosters’ roster and title defence.
- A player of Walker’s calibre entering the market could shift the NRL player market.
- The clash between club financial limits and player value is a familiar dynamic in professional rugby league.
Background
Sam Walker is the Roosters’ halfback and was a key figure in their 2026 grand final victory. He is still contracted for 2027, but the club withdrew a $1.2 million-per-season extension after his management pushed for more money and told him he could leave immediately. Tedesco’s public call for him to stay is the strongest sign yet that the playing group wants him to remain.
What to Watch
- Whether Walker seeks a release or chooses to honour his remaining year.
- Interest from Canterbury and the PNG Chiefs may heat up in the coming weeks.
- The Kangaroos’ World Cup semi-final this weekend will keep Walker in the headlines and could affect his focus.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedRoosters players want Sam Walker to stay for 2027 despite the club saying he can leave.WA Today - Latest News: “Sydney Roosters players want Sam Walker to see out the final year of his deal, despite being told by the club he is free to leave”
- SupportedTedesco says Walker is needed next year.WA Today - Latest News: “James Tedesco declaring: “He’ll be hard to replace – we need him next year.””
- SupportedTedesco said, “He’ll be hard to replace – we need him next year.”WA Today - Latest News: “James Tedesco declaring: “He’ll be hard to replace – we need him next year.””
- SupportedThe Roosters withdrew their $1.2 million-a-season extension and told Walker he could leave.WA Today - Latest News: “The Roosters withdrew their $1.2 million-a-season contract extension after Walker’s management pushed for more money. The club then told Walker he could go now.”
- SupportedThe extension was withdrawn after Walker’s management asked for more money.WA Today - Latest News: “The Roosters withdrew their $1.2 million-a-season contract extension after Walker’s management pushed for more money.”
- SupportedTedesco, 33, has spoken with Walker, 24, about the situation, and said Walker was disappointed they could not reach an agreement.WA Today - Latest News: “Roosters skipper Tedesco, 33, has had several conversations with 24-year-old Walker”
- SupportedTedesco said the Roosters’ point of view could be understood and that they wanted to get the extension done.WA Today - Latest News: ““You can understand the Roosters’ point of view. They wanted to get it [the extension] done”
- SupportedWalker helped the Roosters win the 2026 grand final and has one more season under contract.WA Today - Latest News: “he was a big part of our success winning the grand final this year. “... He’s still got one more year [at the Roosters],””
- SupportedSeveral clubs are interested in Walker, including Canterbury and the PNG Chiefs.WA Today - Latest News: “Walker has been linked to Canterbury”
- SupportedWalker has been linked to Canterbury, especially if Matt Burton can secure an immediate deal with the Perth Bears.WA Today - Latest News: “Walker has been linked to Canterbury, especially if Matt Burton, who will earn upwards of $1m next year, can strike an immediate deal with the Perth Bears.”
- SupportedThe PNG Chiefs are monitoring Walker’s situation, but only if they fail to attract Nathan Cleary.WA Today - Latest News: “The PNG Chiefs are also monitoring the situation, but only if they fail to tempt Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary”
- SupportedTedesco said Walsh asks him for advice, including about defence.WA Today - Latest News: ““He’s always asking me for advice if I see anything, including defensively.””