Boost for Roosters as Walker cleared to return after ACL test

[Thirteen]

If the Roosters lose to Brisbane, let him have the rest of the year off. No point in risking putting him out for 18 months for a dead cause.

Maybe we should send him over to soccer.

[HunchoRooster]

Not so sure about that...he was dropped with no early return planned.

If fit, he would've been back in the side about 6 weeks ago

[DP1990]

He's been cleared by the doctors. He's not being paid not to play football.

Sure, so where does he fit into the starting 17 ?


Sandon and Keary look good and seem to be getting better (gelling) or at least working towards it. So, why would you disrupt the current set up ? Not to mention there is the obvious risk of Walker aggravating his knee plus the obvious point that he will take a few games for him to get up to speed/rhythm.


Does he play utility ? Implying that Turpin misses out ? or do we carry two smaller bodies with two forwards on the bench ?


Yeah he's cleared to play but do we really need him right now ?

[Big Dog]

Hopefully we can still be in contention in 3 weeks time.

If not, probably no point in playing him at all, yet if we win the next two, would he even be picked in a team that has won 3 in a row?

That's a conundrum we haven't had for a while.

[theGman]

That article highlights the tricky nature of a damaged but not ruptured ACL there is a fine line between returning to play and risking a full rupture and thinking about Walker's long term future and doing the surgery to fix the problem and not deal with the ongoing uncertainty.

Exactly.
Straight from the horses mouth as a precautionary measure he's being rested for a further 2 weeks.

[zac]

good news. he was an important part of our great late season form last year. maybe he can do the same again

[NorfolkStreetKid]

Sure, so where does he fit into the starting 17 ?


Sandon and Keary look good and seem to be getting better (gelling) or at least working towards it. So, why would you disrupt the current set up ? Not to mention there is the obvious risk of Walker aggravating his knee plus the obvious point that he will take a few games for him to get up to speed/rhythm.


Does he play utility ? Implying that Turpin misses out ? or do we carry two smaller bodies with two forwards on the bench ?


Yeah he's cleared to play but do we really need him right now ?

He fits in at halfback, seriously, he is at least twice as good as Sandon Smith

[Jacks Fur Coat]

He fits in at halfback, seriously, he is at least twice as good as Sandon Smith

I've told you a thousand times mate, don't exaggerate.

[fletch]

In his press conference today Robbo confirmed Sam Walker would be playing NSW Cup on Sunday.

[Qld Chook]

In his press conference today Robbo confirmed Sam Walker would be playing NSW Cup on Sunday.

Yup, great news, pending there is no re-injury risk. Sounds like he will be back next week if he gets through unscathed.

[Mickie Lane]

I would like to see him back in FG so hopefully he gets through the NSW Cup game unscathed.
He's a likable young dude that I hope stays at the Chooks & mirrors a DCE career with us.

[King Salvo]

Playing him in NSW Cup to work on his game should be the modus operandi as he hasn't played since 30th April 2023 ( 3 1/2 Months or so).- ,i.e Running Game , Game Management , Kicking Game and Defence.

Those wanting him rushed back to the NRL forget the same issues will no doubt arise when teaming up with Keary - Neither are an organising half and both have average to say the least kicking games.

The Hutchinator and Sandon Smith are the only two organising type halves on the books.

Walker still has a lot to work on in his game and he needs a big pre-season to re-establish his credentials as a promising NRL halfback.

Walker started off okay in the first 2 games and then his form declined alarmingly especially in the last 2 NRL games he played resulting in his warranted relegation to NSW Cup

The concern still is whether Walker and Keary can work together as an effective halves unit given their lack of organising skills and distance lacking kicking games.

2024 may well be a watershed moment in his career going forward

[roosterchook]

Great news!

I've enjoyed watching Sandon play. I love his style. He has a big future imo.

Too raw in my view. Lacking experience. In a couple of years maybe but I’d much prefer Walker if he’s fit.

[roosterchook]

Playing him in NSW Cup to work on his game should be the modus operandi as he hasn't played since 30th April 2023 ( 3 1/2 Months or so).- ,i.e Running Game , Game Management , Kicking Game and Defence.

Those wanting him rushed back to the NRL forget the same issues will be no doubt arise when teaming up with Keary - Neither are an organising half and both have average to say the least kicking games.

The Hutchinator and Sandon Smith are the only two organising type halves on the books.

Walker still has a lot to work on in his game and he needs a big pre-season to re-establish his credentials as a promising NRL halfback.

Walker started off okay in the first 2 games and then his form declined alarmingly especially in the last 2 NRL games he played resulting in his warranted relegation to NSW Cup

The concern still is whether Walker and Keary can work together as an effective halves unit given their lack of organising skills and distance lacking kicking games.

2024 may well be a watershed moment in his career going forward

The combinations we’ve tried in Walkers absence have they got us in the 8 or helped get us out of for and against hell? We were a +200 point better scoring side with Walker last season and he was 3rd on the NRL top scorers. We are desperate for points now and he adds that much needed unpredictability and creativity to our team. If he’s fit let him play.

[Mickie Lane]

Playing him in NSW Cup to work on his game should be the modus operandi as he hasn't played since 30th April 2023 ( 3 1/2 Months or so).- ,i.e Running Game , Game Management , Kicking Game and Defence.

Those wanting him rushed back to the NRL forget the same issues will be no doubt arise when teaming up with Keary - Neither are an organising half and both have average to say the least kicking games.

The Hutchinator and Sandon Smith are the only two organising type halves on the books.

Walker still has a lot to work on in his game and he needs a big pre-season to re-establish his credentials as a promising NRL halfback.

Walker started off okay in the first 2 games and then his form declined alarmingly especially in the last 2 NRL games he played resulting in his warranted relegation to NSW Cup

The concern still is whether Walker and Keary can work together as an effective halves unit given their lack of organising skills and distance lacking kicking games.

2024 may well be a watershed moment in his career going forward

Even if it didnt work out at the Chooks Walker will be an NRL player for the next 10 years IMO.