Roosters billionaire chairman Nick Politis rarely loses a player he wants to retain and the club is set to offer Sam Walker a mega contract extension.
According to CODE Sports reporter Peter Badel, the Roosters will meet with Walker’s management next week to try and tie him down to the club before rivals can talk to him from November 1.
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The Walker camp are keen for a long-term deal of around 10 years, but it’s understand the Roosters are looking at a five-year extension.
There will be a ratchet clause included in what’s set to be an initial $1.35 million-a-year deal.
But with a salary cap increase on the agenda, Walker’s pay could rise to as much as $1.6 million per season.
“I’ve spoken to Sam and I’ve told him I want him at the Roosters for life,” Politis told CODE Sport.
“Sammy has been fantastic for us. We have a great relationship and we want him to stay. I’m confident we can get a deal done.”
Sam Walker set for monster Roosters deal | 01:31
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Walker’s debut State of Origin series, which included a Game II man of the match award, has no doubt bumped his price up and attracted the interest of rival clubs.
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta said it would be interesting if Walker took the deal or waited until November 1 to see what other clubs, particularly the Bears and Chiefs, might offer.
Anasta said sticking with the Roosters would be the safe option for the 24-year-old halfback, not only for his playing career under Trent Robinson, but post-football life.
“If he goes to the open market he’d probably get more money elsewhere. But then you peel it all back with clubs like the Roosters and he can take a little bit less to stay,” Anasta said.
“He’s done all his work there, he’s got combinations there, he gets along with Robbo, (and there’s) the potential to win a premiership.
“Then you’ve got the Roosters board and powerbrokers and connections there that can give you opportunities off the footy field to set yourself up for life after footy. So I think this all comes into it.
“If I’m Sam, I’m probably thinking he’s in the right spot.”
Sam Walker is set to be offered a mega contract extension to stay at the Roosters Picture: Richard DobsonSource: Supplied
Despite proving he was up to Origin standard this year, the jury is still out on whether Walker has the game to deliver the Roosters a premiership.
He’s played 102 matches and had more than 70 try assists, including 14 this season.
He has had knee issues, but is blossoming as a halfback and entering the best 10 years of his career.
“I like it for both parties. We talk around Sam and consistently in the NRL, he’s been great, but he’s got to own the back end of the season, and we haven’t seen that yet. But that deal I think is a fair deal for both parties,” reporter Michael Carayannis said.
Robinson denies 10 year offer to Walker | 01:57
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Politis was quoted as saying he wanted Walker to end up playing the most games for the Roosters in the club’s history by the time he retires.
Gorden Tallis believes Walker will give himself every chance of doing that.
“They’re a great club, they’re 100 years old. They develop the players, they look after their players, and I think it’s a place for Sam,” Tallis said.
“I don’t think too many of the other powerful clubs can match it. He’ll have to go to either Perth or PNG. And I’d rather live in Bondi.”