Sam Walker aims to settle Roosters contract before November market opens

Sam Walker says he wants to remain with the Sydney Roosters and finalise a new contract before November 1. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that his asking price and the club’s four-year offer were $1 million apart at their last negotiations.

Speaking at Saturday’s World Cup launch, Walker praised Nick’s work with him and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached over the coming weeks. Staying with the Roosters is his stated plan. A contract has not yet been finalised, and the reported gap refers to the parties’ last offer rather than a completed deal.

Without an agreement before November, Walker could consider approaches from rival clubs. The PNG Chiefs, which has yet to sign a halfback, offers tax arrangements that could increase his earnings. That potential incentive does not amount to a decision by Walker to join the new team.

Walker made his State of Origin debut this year and won a premiership with the Roosters. After celebrating the grand final, attending the club’s presentation night and travelling to Airlie Beach for a family wedding, he joined Kevin Walters’ Australian squad in Sydney. He described the national call-up as another milestone following the championship.

Australia opens against New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Thursday. Walker’s tournament role remains undecided, with Cameron Munster, Mitchell Moses and Tom Dearden also competing for places in the halves. He intends to concentrate on preparation while his representatives continue the contract discussions.