Walker has been back to running and kicking in training this week, raising hopes that he will line up for the grand‑final qualifier after sustaining the ankle injury against Redcliffe’s side on March 30.
Robinson, who publicly restrained his criticism after a 19‑12 loss to Penrith on Sunday and a dominant 30‑12 win over Cronulla on Saturday, said the Roosters are prepared for the six‑day turnaround that will see them play the Dolphins on Friday, adding, “I might be wrong on that, but we’ll be ready to go on Friday … physically, I feel like we’re in good shape.”
The six‑day turnaround marks the Roosters’ second such interval in the current finals series – a schedule no team has faced since the NRL adopted its present finals format in 2011 – and comes amid complaints from club officials about scheduling disparities caused by the Warriors’ New Zealand fixtures.
In addition to Walker, other injury updates include Egan Butcher progressing through concussion protocols after a head knock against Penrith, and Angus Crichton returning from a three‑month lay‑off for a broken foot. Only forward Blake Steep remains unavailable after an ACL injury.
Crichton, who has worked alongside Walker in the club’s rehab group, praised the halfback’s progress, saying, “He looks like he is in less pain than I am. He is running, kicking and doing everything at training. It’s pretty impressive.”
A win over the Dolphins would give the Roosters a precious two‑day advantage in recovery time before the October 4 grand final, compared with a seven‑day lead‑in for potential opponents Penrith or Newcastle.
The Roosters entered the finals after a string of late‑season losses – most notably a one‑point defeat to the Wests Tigers – that dropped them from first to fourth on the ladder, but a victory against the Dolphins could restore momentum heading into the final stages.