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Walker had to be helped from the field by trainers after his left foot was trapped awkwardly in a tackle by Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the 26-12 loss at Allianz Stadium.<\/p>\n
The incident wasn\u2019t penalised for a hip-drop tackle but could be one of the biggest moments of the season if the crafty halfback has done serious damage. <\/p>\n
The Maroons rookie will require scans which will determine how long he\u2019s sidelined, with the Roosters praying that the damage isn\u2019t significant given the finals start in two weeks.<\/p>\n
It is understood to be a syndesmosis injury for Walker. It\u2019s a cruel blow for the playmaker who will attract monster offers if he hits the market on November 1.<\/p>\n
The Roosters desperately need him on the field, with their top-four hopes now in jeopardy after losing back-to-back games at home.<\/p>\n
Hugo Savala replaced him in the halves and will partner veteran Daly Cherry-Evans in the finals if Walker is ruled out long term.<\/p>\n
The Roosters will be hoping that try-scoring machine Daniel Tupou returns from a shoulder injury before the finals which would allow Billy Smith to move to left centre to replace Savala.<\/p>\n
There could be more concerns with NSW hooker Reece Robson coming off in the final minute.<\/p>\n
Chooks crisis? Sam Walker leaves injured | 00:42<\/p>\n
DOUBLE TROUBLE<\/p>\n
The Dolphins have all but secured a maiden top-four finish, but they could head into the finals without a couple of key forwards.<\/p>\n
Kurt Donoghoe has been enormous for them off the bench this season but he faces a very nervous wait for the charges to drop after he collected James Tedesco in the head with his shoulder.<\/p>\n
The incident somehow didn\u2019t lead to a sin bin, with teammates Tom Flegler and Morgan Knowles both given their marching orders in a hectic seven-minute stretch late in the game.<\/p>\n
Knowles was sent to the bin for an ugly tackle on Robert Toia, while Flegler was punished for repeated infringements, with the Queensland forward also on report for a crusher tackle.<\/p>\n
‘It’s a penalty you f****** idiot!’ | 00:29<\/p>\n
COOKED CHOOKS<\/p>\n
The Roosters were just about premiership favourites when they knocked off Penrith a few weeks ago, but there\u2019s an outside chance that they miss the top four.<\/p>\n
Last week\u2019s loss to the Wests Tigers was inexplicable but would have been forgotten if they\u2019d bounced back against a fellow heavyweight.<\/p>\n
But Saturday night exposed a stack of flaws on the eve of the finals that will worry coach Trent Robinson.<\/p>\n
They started well with the returning James Tedesco setting up Robert Toia for the opening try of the evening, but they hardly fired a shot until the Dolphins were reduced to 11 men.<\/p>\n
The home fans sniffed a comeback when Salesi Foketi scored, but any hopes of a miracle disappeared moments later when Tommy Talau made a huge break and then passed to Savala who dropped it cold with the line wide open. <\/p>\n
They must now beat the Rabbitohs to clinch their spot in the top four, with a loss opening the door for the Sharks to leapfrog them in the final round.<\/p>\n
Farnworth out leaps Tedesco for Dolphins | 00:23<\/p>\n
PHINS UP<\/p>\n
The Roosters drama overshadowed a statement performance from the visitors who have now won six on the trot and look like they can beat anyone.<\/p>\n
Kodi Nikorima was fantastic again with a couple of try assists, while Selwyn Cobbo continued his dream run with a double on the left wing.<\/p>\n
His partner in crime on that edge got the Dolphins going when Herbie Farnworth outleapt Tedesco to score, before a superb scrum move saw Cobbo touch down.<\/p>\n
Saturday\u2019s result sees them leapfrog the Roosters into third on for and against.<\/p>\n
Dolphin’s lead after silky ball playing | 00:35<\/p>\n
JUDICIARY WATCH<\/p>\n
Tom Flegler was placed on report for a crusher tackle in the first half. He has three unrelated charges in the past 12 months. <\/p>\n
Kurt Donoghoe was placed on report for a high tackle 10 minutes into the second half. Two high tackle charges in the past 12 months. <\/p>\n
Morgan Knowles was sin binned and placed on report for a dangerous pressure on the legs tackle late in the game. Three charges this season, including a hip drop. <\/p>\n
STAT ATTACK (via Fox Lab)<\/p>\n
Expected Set Points: Roosters 25.7, Dolphins 22.7<\/p>\n
A big defensive effort from the Dolphins, especially in the second half. The Roosters finished the match with 52 percent possession, and 76 tackles to 53 in the opposition half (39-22 in the opp 20)<\/p>\n
Six straight wins for the Dolphins to climb to third on the ladder – have lost just two games since round 9. <\/p>\n
Consecutive losses for the Roosters for only the second time this season (Rd 11 and 13) – have slipped from 1st to 4th and can drop out of the top four with two Sharks wins and a loss to the Rabbitohs. <\/p>\n
Selywn Cobbo scored the 16th double of his career – he has won all 16 games. <\/p>\n
Fox Lab POTM – Another destructive attacking performance from Herbie Farnworth. He scored the Dolphins first try, and ran for over 160 metres, making six offloads.<\/p>\n
LIVE BLOG<\/p>\n