The Sam Walker sweepstakes are off and racing… however, it appears the South Sydney Rabbitohs won\u2019t be entering.<\/p>\n
The Roosters stunned the NRL world on Monday night when pulling their offer to the halfback, effectively meaning he\u2019s up for grabs.<\/p>\n
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 stream the episode on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/p>\n There are more than several clubs who could use Walker, but the Broncos aren\u2019t one of them, with the Brisbane glamour club dipping out of the race for the Maroons and Kangaroos star.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n The Rabbitohs emerged as a potential destination after ormer Daily Telegraph newshound Phil Rothfield revealed he had contacted Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly following the Walker news.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m hearing that the Rabbitohs, who we all know are desperately short a half, are in the mix,\u201d Rothfield said on Triple M.<\/p>\n \u201cBefore we came on the air, I texted (CEO) Blake Solly and said, \u201cthere\u2019s mail you might be interested in Sam Walker<\/p>\n \u201cNot 100% sure. It\u2019s all pretty sudden. We\u2019ll see what happens on or after November 1 and if he is still available, we\u2019ll look at the asking price.<\/p>\n \u201cHe hasn\u2019t said no. He\u2019s left it wide open.\u201d<\/p>\n However, The Courier Mail\u2019s Peter Badel has revealed that Souths coach Wayne Bennett stated the club won\u2019t pursue Walker.<\/p>\n Badel contacted Souths coach Wayne Bennett to inquire about the club\u2019s position on Walker.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a story up on the news court platforms now that South are out, according to Wayne. Definitely out,\u201d Badel said on a special episode of NRL360.<\/p>\n \u201cSo he\u2019s gone on the record saying we can\u2019t afford him. And if we were to afford him, we\u2019d have to let someone, a big name player go.<\/p>\n \u201cI heard too that apparently Souths had a board meeting yesterday and I\u2019m told that they said they weren\u2019t pursuing Walker.\u201d<\/p>\n NRL360 host Braith Anasta isn\u2019t so sure though.<\/p>\n Pointing out that the Bunnies could clear some cap room by letting a player or two go, Anasta thinks Souths have to still be considered in the running until Walker makes his decision.<\/p>\n \u201cI wouldn\u2019t put it to bed. I know Wayne said that to you, but to me, that\u2019s not a definite no,\u201d Anasta said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re out.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE SAM WALKER NEWS<\/p>\n \u2018ALMOST INSULTING\u2019: The moment Robbo called Buzz… with \u2018staggering\u2019 Walker reveal<\/a><\/p>\n REVEALED: Fiery Walker moment that had Roosters \u2018asking questions\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n ‘Offer was more than fair!” | 01:49<\/p>\n Despite the Bunnies\u2019 reported stance, when you break it all down, it\u2019s a move that makes sense.<\/p>\n Not only are the Rabbitohs are halfback short of contending, but Souths coach Wayne Bennett handed Walker\u2019s dad Ben his first grade debut in 1995 and also coached Walker\u2019s two uncles Chris and Shane. <\/p>\n Additionally, Bennett isn\u2019t averse to making a splash.<\/p>\n The Bunnies also have a stack of cap space for 2028 with several players set to hit the open market on November 1.<\/p>\n Campbell Graham, Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, David Fifita and Jayden Sullivan are just a handful of names contracted until the end of 2027 who have yet to ink extensions with the club.<\/p>\n But what if Walker is forced out of the Roosters before next season?<\/p>\n \u201cThey can\u2019t get Walker next year though,\u201d Rothfield stated on Triple M, pointing to the limited room in their salary cap for 2027. <\/p>\n \u201cIf dominoes fall and let\u2019s just say something was to happen to one of those three (Mitchell, Graham, Wighton), they\u2019ll free up some cap space by granting an early release,\u201d CODE Sports journalist David Riccio responded.<\/p>\n If the Bunnies were to nab Walker, it\u2019ll be quite the storyline, given the fierce history of the Rabbitohs and Roosters.<\/p>\n It\u2019ll also no doubt leave a sour taste in the mouth at the Bondi club, particularly that of chairman Nick Politis, who torched the Roosters\u2019 recent contract offer for Walker.<\/p>\n MORE SAM WALKER NEWS<\/p>\n ENNIS: \u2018Most disappointing\u2019 part of Walker saga… and \u2018gut feeling\u2019 call on who signs him<\/a><\/p>\n