Sam Walker hasn’t even played a single minute for the Queensland Maroons, but his Origin debut next Wednesday has already been described as a “career-defining” moment.

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As the halfback steps into the biggest spotlight of his career it comes at a crucial juncture which could have a significant effect on his long-term future at the Sydney Roosters.

This is due to him hitting the open market in less than six months time, with rival clubs closely monitoring whether he will remain at the Bondi or will be on the lookout for a new team.

“In many ways this could be career-defining for Sam Walker,” Code Sports’ David Riccio said on NRL 360.

“We have been so obsessed about every Penrith player off-contract, well Sam Walker sits in the exact same category as the (likes of) Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Nathan Cleary.

“From this November 1 he will be a free agent.”

Sam Walker will make his Origin debut in Game One.Source: Getty Images

Able to speak with rivals from November 1, it is understood that Walker’s current side (Roosters) have yet to open contract extension talks with him.

This is despite the half being earmarked as a player that is capable of steering them towards a premiership push in the coming years and seeing them reach the NRL Grand Final once again..

“The Roosters haven’t moved yet. I feel as though they want to see Sam deliver in the big games and they went out the back door of the semi-finals last year,” Riccio added.

“He’s done a remarkable job to come back from injury and be in this position but as we go towards November 1 if it’s on the back of a winning Origin series it’s going to put the Roosters in a position.

“Are they going to lock down this guy long-term, who’s currently on about $1 million, and reinvest into Sam Walker, or are they going to walk away?”

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A stellar showing for the Maroons could see the Roosters stick with Walker and earn him a multi-million dollar payday.

Meanwhile, a disappointing performance could see the Tricolours opts to go in a different direction – the direction of Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell.

“I firmly believe he needs to deliver on the biggest stage for the Roosters to have the up most belief in him as a player as their long-term halfback and someone who’s going to deliver them a premiership,” Riccio continued.

“If the Roosters don’t take him up. I’m sure there’ll be clubs out there.”

Origin 1 2026 and the Queensland squad come together for media at Suncorp Stadium. Sam Walker and Max Plath Pictures: Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia

Despite the comments from Riccio, ex-Roosters icon Braith Anasta disagreed and stated that even if Walker did perform badly, he can come back bigger and better.

Anasta said, “It’s the start. It won’t be defining. Sometimes you get dropped from Origin and you come back, and you’re better.”

“I don’t think Cooper Cronk got into the Queensland starting team until 28/29 years of age. Sam’s got his opportunity because Tom Dearden is injured but I don’t think he has to star,” foxsports.com.au’s Paul Crawley added.