Fresh details about how Sam Walker’s Roosters contract fell through have come to light, with coach Trent Robinson blindsided by what transpired.
After months of negotiations, the premiership halfback’s manager Clinton Schifcofske reportedly made a late demand for the club to bump up the offer that was already set, at the request of the young half, to make the 24-year-old the highest paid player in the history of the club.
A special edition of NRL 360 will break down all the latest November 1 madness, including Sam Walker and Hudson Young. Catch the episode at 1pm AEDT on Fox League 502 and watch the episode on Kayo Sports.
That request enraged Nick Politis and saw the Roosters withdrew their offer to him.
More than a day on, Walker still has yet to speak to Robinson, with Buzz Rothfield revealing on a special edition of NRL 360 on Wednesday that he still hadn’t received so much as a call from the premiership-winning half.
“I rang him because I thought if anyone could rescue this deal from an impossible situation, it’s Trent Robinson,” Rothfield said.
“I remember last year Nick Politis was going to sack Victor Radley. Robbo presented to the board with so much passion, so much emotion. He was able to overturn it with Nick.
“What really surprised me in the conversation I just had with Trent is he has not heard from Sam Walker since Monday. I find that almost insulting.
“That the young fella could not pick up the telephone to a four-time premier coach who’s had him since he was 17.
“I went to Barcelona and Manchester with that football side, and I don’t think he was shaving yet. He looked like a school kid. Robbo has had so much to do with his education and development as a rugby league player.”
Veteran reporter Peter Badel said he “could not believe” that the Roosters halfback had shunned his long-time mentor.
“I’ve known him for nearly 10 years, and he’s one player that I can text and I know he’ll get back to me,” Badel said.
“Even if it’s a courteous can’t talk Pete. I find it staggering that given the fallout, the gravity, how this has become a powder keg over the last 24 hours that Sam hasn’t reached out.
“I know he’s in World Cup camp, but Robbo’s done so much for his career. I thought that would have been one of the key phone calls to make to your coach to say this is where we’re at and this is what’s happened.”
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta said this latest development was a clear sign of a “breakdown” between Walker’s camp and the Roosters, with the NRL360 in agreeance that he has almost certainly played his last game for the Tri Colours.
“He will not play for the Roosters again,” Rothfield declared.
Walker’s negotiation collapse came hours after Hudson Young’s offer from Canberra was also taken off the table days before the November 1 deadline when rival clubs are able to sign players for the 2028 season.
Those break downs have sent shockwaves around the competition with massive developments emerging on Wednesday, including:
— Wayne Bennett rejecting speculation the Rabbitohs were well placed to swoop in and snatch Walker from their bitter rivals. Bennett told Code Sports: “Look, we can’t afford Sam Walker”.
— Walker potentially move to the Cowboys in a straight swap with halfback Tom Dearden. The North Queensland captain remains contracted to the club through to the end of 2029 on one of the highest-paying contracts in the league. However, as was widely reported earlier this year, rumours continue to swirl that Dearden may request an early release to join a Sydney-based club after his partner, Millie Oliver, gave birth to their first child in Sydney last week. Dearden described those rumblings as “nonsense” in August.
— Broncos officials ruling out a move for Walker, who left them for the Roosters in 2019.
— The Perth Bears being the only club that could offer Walker his desired wages in 2027.
— The Raiders potentially making a play for Penrith enforcer Liam Martin should Young end up out the door.
Roosters in a spin after Walker deal falls through
The game is still in a spin after negotiations between the Roosters and Walker’s camp went nuclear on Monday night.
Code Sports reports Roosters officials were confident Walker’s camp had agreed to their fresh offer — a three-year deal worth $1.2 million per-season, with ratchet clauses that could inflate his salary to $1.44 million.
He opted for that deal over a straight pay increase to $1.4 million, with no ratchet clauses, knowing that the salary cap was about to rise.
According to Code Sports, the Roosters put another cherry on top of telling Walker he could be the club’s next captain whenever James Tedesco eventually walks away in coming years.
The Roosters are already said to have drawn up a press release announcing Walker’s contract extension before the late request for a “slight upgrade” came through — angering Roosters supremo Nick Politis.
Politis allegedly responded to the demand by saying: “Don’t box me in”.
Hours later the club withdrew the offer with Walker’s management team failing to meet a 7.30pm deadline.
“The Sydney Roosters have this evening advised the management of Sam Walker that the club’s offer for a contract extension beyond the 2027 season has been withdrawn after the parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms,” the Roosters’ statement released at 9.07pm read.
“The club remains focused on maintaining a premiership-winning roster, with all recruitment and retention decisions made to support the strength, balance and long-term success of the playing squad.”
It is a bold move from the Roosters with the club potentially beginning its premiership defence without Grand Final winning playmakers Daly Cherry-Evans and Walker. The club has also lost Connor Watson, Angus Crichton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Daniel Tupou, Spencer Leniu and others.
According to reports, Walker’s upgrade request was for a further $100,000 per season.
That $100,000 sum has now thrown the entire league into disarray.
Leading rugby league journalist Dean Ritchie told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday morning the Roosters will not return to the bargaining table.
It is widely speculated the Roosters will be happy to cut ties with Walker immediately — potentially before the 2027 season.
Penrith legend Greg Alexander said on Wednesday it is now up to Walker to stand up and take action if he truly wants to remain in Bondi.
“He’s grown up at the club,” Alexander said on SEN Breakfast.
“However… the management. Sam Walker is a big boy. He’s 24. He’s played a lot of footy. He’s over 100 games. If Sam wans to be at the Roosters, Sam should speak up and say, ‘I want to stay at the Roosters’.
“I don’t think the deal is finished.”
He said Walker must have been aware and supported the late call to “roll the dice” with one final “upgrade” request.
The Dally M Medal winner said the way Walker’s camp made the $100,000 condition “almost makes you gag”.
This year’s market frenzy is set to be the craziest on record with the Bears and Chiefs in the mix, and this could only be the start with a stack of player movement on the cards.
Originally published as ‘Insulting’: Sam Walker twist as Trent Robinson left in the dark