Sam Walker - rumoured new deal

[Davo]

The below appeared in the Daily Telegraph this afternoon. Anyone have the article, im not a subscriber?


Young gun’s new deal could mean trouble for Roosters star


Sam Walker’s contract extension will spark new debate about who should partner him in the halves at ehs Sydney Roosters. SUBSCRIBE to read the full story

[ChookMaster]

Nothing story

[Kentucky_Fried_Rooster]

NRL news: Sam Walker’s new contract could mean trouble for Roosters star Luke Keary


Sam Walker’s contract extension will spark new debate about who should partner him in the halves at the Sydney Roosters.
Paul Crawley
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November 21, 2022 - 4:00PMNews Corp Australia Sports Newsroom00:59
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A beefed-up Sam Walker has returned for Sydney Roosters’ pre-season training ready to commit to a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Bondi until at least the end of 2025.

But while Walker’s new deal will put to bed any potential speculation about the young Queenslander returning to his home state in the near future, it has sparked a fresh debate about who should be Walker’s halves partner for 2023 and beyond.

And the big question is should the Roosters stick with veteran Luke Keary until his current deal expires at the end of 2024 — or is it time coach Trent Robinson made the tough call and move Kiwi superstar Joey Manu from centre to five-eighth permanently?

With Keary and Manu now on leave following the World Cup, Walker started back at training on Monday with his weight said to be now up to 82kg.

That’s 4kg heavier than what the lightweight halfback was listed at this season.

On a frame as lean and fit as Walker’s, that’s a significant development in itself.
Sam Walker is ready to sign a new deal with the Roosters. Picture: Getty Images
But the fact Walker has all but agreed to a new deal also shows the Roosters have made a decision on who they want wearing the No.7 jumper for at least the next three seasons.

And while there has been no indication the Roosters are planning for anything other than a Walker/Keary halves combination in 2023, Manu’s dominant performances at the World Cup have raised further questions about whether the Bondi club is doing itself an injustice by not moving Manu to closer to the action sooner rather than later.

Just last week the man rated the world’s best centre took out the Golden Boot award as the world’s best international player for his starring performances for the Kiwis at fullback and five-eighth.

There is also mounting pressure on everyone at the Roosters for an improved season in 2023 after they finished outside the top four for back-to-back years.

No one questions that when fit and healthy Keary is still one of the best five-eighths in the game.
Will Joey Manu spend time in the halves for the Roosters in 2023? Picture: AFP
But the key issue surrounds Keary’s ongoing health concerns, after suffering a series of concussion injuries in recent seasons.

While he still has two years to run on his existing contract, it has been speculated one more serious head knock could ultimately end Keary’s playing career.

Keary turns 31 in February and he has studied to pursue a career in business after his retirement from footy.
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But the growing issue for the Roosters is whether they can hold off moving Manu into the halves for another two seasons if Keary ends up playing out the full term of his deal.

Especially now Walker is ready to make a call on his future.

[Moose]

christ crawley is useless

[FlamingRooster]

I mean, he does have a point. In my eyes, Manu moves to 5/8 or he moves to another club. As good as Keary has been for us, I suspect this year, or the following will be his last in the RWB

[nayfo]

Nothing story.
why get rid of Keary to move Manu into 5/8 and then weaken a centre position when we already have both secured. Keary will retire in 2 years and Manu will take his place.

Seriously, terrible journalism

[ism22]

Nothing story.
why get rid of Keary to move Manu into 5/8 and then weaken a centre position when we already have both secured. Keary will retire in 2 years and Manu will take his place.

Seriously, terrible journalism

Agreed... why would re-signing Walker suggest that Keary's gotta go and that we MUST move a centre to the halves?

The only 'news' is that Walker's likely to re-sign. All that tells me is that the club's retention team is doing its job.

[Inflictor]

"And while there has been no indication the Roosters are planning for anything other than a Walker/Keary halves combination in 2023"

But I'll just make up some BS story because that is what I do best.

[DP1990]

In other news ... the sky is blue today !

[ism22]

They forgot to reference BOOM half Sam Walker and POWERHOUSE centre Joey Manu...

[eddie]

Bloody Crawley.................................can't stand him.

[Bansai Pipeline]

In other news ... the sky is blue today !

To be fair that is newsworthy.

[Mickie Lane]

Its good to hear Sammy boy is upto 84kg's he's now heavier than me.
I said it ages ago Sam will get to being a 90kg & have a build very much like Cleary.
It will be interesting to see if Sam can get to Clearys level, obviously Im hoping he does because Cleary is by far the premier halfback in the NRL.

[roostermcgregor]

If Walker has been re- signed for another 2 years, we have Joey Manu re- signed, and Keary is with the Roosters until 2024, then I see Walker / Keary will be the halves, and Manu will be in the Centres, and i expect that everyone at the Roosters feels the same way.


So the point of the Crawley story is ?????
Is Crawley now qualified to be the Roosters coach and make decisions for the team???
If we take Manu out of the Centres, doesn't that weaken the backline?

[Salvatori Grubber]

To be fair that is newsworthy.

Applause