Sam Walker’s likely return isn’t the only bit of good news for the Roosters with a couple of key forwards downplaying any injury concerns as Trent Robinson’s side prepares to travel north for Friday’s preliminary final against the Dolphins.
A healthy squad at this time of the year can make or break a team’s premiership chances, and things are looking up for the Roosters who welcomed back Angus Crichton after three months on the sidelines, while Walker is set to be named.
The representative halfback suffered a syndesmosis injury in round 26 against the Dolphins but has been progressing well, with the next couple of training sessions to determine whether he starts on Friday.
“This is what you dream of in the finals when you’ve got your full squad healthy and ready to go,” star prop Naufahu Whyte said.
“If we can have Sammy then it will be a huge asset for us. We all know how Sammy can play and we all know what he can do in a game.
“It was also awesome to have the brother ‘Gussy’ there on the weekend. He was itching to get back out there because it’s been a long stint for him off the field. He’s another huge asset for us.”
Fellow prop forward Lindsay Collins was seen limping from Allianz Stadium following the win over the Sharks, but he said “everything is fine” and that he is in no doubt at all for the grand final qualifier.
While Hugo Savala did a tremendous job alongside Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves, the Roosters look like a different team with Walker calling the shots.
“He brings a lot to our team,” Collins said.
“He’s been playing in that position all year so there’s that familiarity and consistency with him.
“Everyone knows what Sammy brings. He brings that flair as well as the structure in the system, so it’ll be awesome to have him back.”
As for Whyte, he assured Roosters supporters that he is good to go for the Dolphins game despite not coming back on for the second half on Saturday night.
This season’s most dominant forward had six carries and wasn’t required in the second half as he nursed a right hamstring issue, but he would have come back on if the game was closer.
“I’m all good. I appreciate the love and support from our fans,” Whyte said after the international star was put on ice.
“I had a hamstring injury and have been carrying it for the past couple of weeks.
“I probably wasn’t needed against the Sharks after the boys dominated, so it was good to rest it up so I can try to push it to 100 per cent before Friday. There are no concerns. I’m all good and ready to go.
“I was meant to go back on. I spoke to Robbo and asked him if there were any concerns, but he was just doing the best for me to make sure I was 100 per cent coming in to these next two games.
“I’m grateful for coach for looking after me. The boys were doing an awesome job (when I was off) so credit to them.”
Originally published as Sam Walker set for Dolphins preliminary final as Roosters forwards overcome injury scares