Soon-to-be Queensland debutant Sam Walker has reportedly made a call on his international allegiance after England made a secret approach to the Roosters halfback.
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Veteran rugby league reporter Peter Badel revealed on NRL 360 that England coach Brian McDermott made contact with Walker to see if he was interested in representing the Poms at this year’s World Cup.
McDermott, who was formally appointed as Shaun Wane’s successor last month, was hoping to get Walker on board as England plots revenge after last year’s Ashes whitewash.
Walker was born in Leeds and spent less than a year in England before moving to Australia with his father Ben and mother Kylie, making him eligible to play for the Poms.
However, that won’t be happening.
“I’m told he won’t be going to the Poms,” Badel said, revealing Ben jokingly said he’d kick Walker out of the household if he pledged his allegiance to England.
“He’s had a conversation with them,” Walker Sr told Code Sports.
“They just rang him out of the blue to make an inquiry, but that was only a few weeks ago.
“Sam was born in England when I was playing at Leeds, so I guess he is eligible. But otherwise we don’t have any family history there.
“He would be kicked out of the house if he chose the Poms. My father would disown him … the old man ‘Gaz’ (Garry) is the proudest Aussie you have ever come across.
“Sam’s allegiance is to Australia and he would love to play for Australia.”
Sam Walker wants to represent Australia. Picture: NRL ImagesSource: Supplied
COWBOYS’ DOUBLE RECRUITMENT COUP
The Cowboys have landed a pair of star Cronulla outside backs from 2027, with Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa signing multi-year deals.
Katoa and Ramien will bolster an already talented backline that boasts Tom Dearden, Jake Clifford and young stars Jaxon Purdue and Tom Chester, all of whom are contracted until at least the end of the 2028 season.
With Scott Drinkwater heading for the Dragons, Purdue is set to move to fullback which will open a centre spot for Ramien with Chester to remain in the other centre position.
Meanwhile, Katoa’s signing all but confirms that winger Murray Taulagi will be out the door at the end of the season.
The North Queensland product and Maroons rep is reportedly heading to Roosters next season, although that hasn’t been made official.
“The signings of Jesse and Sione significantly upgrades the level of depth in our backline,” Cowboys Recruitment Manager Clint Zammit said via a club-issued statement.
“Jesse has been in the top echelon of centres in the NRL for the better part of a decade. He’s experienced, can break tackles and is a strong defender.
“Sione is a wonderful finisher and carries the ball strongly out of his own end.”
Kiraz full-time fullback at Bulldogs? | 04:27
BULLDOGS CONFIRM FRONT ROWER’S DEPARTURE
Elsewhere, the Bulldogs have confirmed that Daniel Suluka-Fifita has been granted an immediate release from his contract to take up an opportunity with a Super League club.
Suluka-Fifita is expected to sign with St Helens, who on Monday announced they were parting ways with Agnatius Paasi with immediate effect.
That move allowed them to free up space to sign Suluka-Fifita, who has played 11 NRL games for the Bulldogs since his arrival in 2024.
Suluka-Fifita played 11 games for the Bulldogs last season but has not been sighted in first grade since, having previously been unable to lock down a regular starting spot in stints at the Roosters and Rabbitohs.