The Sydney Roosters could be forced to dig deeper into their pockets to keep Sam Walker beyond next season if he leads the club to winning the 2026 premiership.

The Roosters have already tabled a deal worth around $1.2 million a season, which Walker and his management knocked back, while his form has attracted interest from a number of rival teams.

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But with the Tricolours now just two wins away from lifting the premiership trophy, a starring role could potentially push his value to another level and force the Roosters to consider their offer.

Speaking on NRL 360, Michael Carayannis suggested a premiership would elevate him into one of the game’s highest earners, especially if he plays a starring role in getting the Tricolours to the promised land.

“If he wins the comp, he goes to the top echelon of the highest-paid players of the competition because he’s got the job done,” the CODE Sports reporter said on Wednesday.

“I think if he wins the comp, but of course he needs to play well.”

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

This could put the Roosters under pressure to increase their offer to keep the young halfback at the club beyond his current deal.

However, The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read questioned whether even a premiership would be enough to force the Roosters’ hand, given the significant offer that is already understood to be on the table

“I don’t even think the deal goes up if Sam wins the comp,” he revealed.

“It’s a pretty significant offer already. It’s around $1.2 (million) – a figure we were spitballing earlier in the year.

“As important as it is, I don’t think he goes above what they’re offering him. I think if he wins the GF, a totally different story.”

As the Roosters work hard to keep their star halfback, the PNG Chiefs appear to be moving on to their next option.

Walker had been heavily linked to the incoming expansion franchise, which is still searching for a marquee No.7 to partner Jarome Luai in the halves for their inaugural season.

According to Read, the Chiefs no longer view him as their second priority behind Penrith Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary and have instead move on to targeting Zane Harrison.

“I think they think Sam Walker is going to stay. I think Zane Harrison has become second-in-line now behind Nathan Cleary,” Read said.

“My feeling is Zane Harrison is their preference if they miss Cleary.”

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NRL 360 co-host and minority owner of the Gold Coast Titans, Gorden Tallis said he was surprised the 11-match NRL halfback had emerged a serious threat for the Chiefs.

“PNG only negotiate with players through the paper. Their boss is a media guy so he throws it all out there and he gets the hype around and when players start saying no,” Tallis said.

”If Nathan says no and if Sam Walker’s obviously said no. I didn’t get the message so everyone who’s had something to do with it said Sam was after Nathan.

“Now something’s change and Zane is up the pecking order. We didn’t hear about Zane for a long time

“I know the Titans don’t want to lose him. He is our future.”

Zane Harrison of the Gold Coast Titans celebrates his matchwinning field goal against the Penrith Panthers with Jayden Campbell at Cbus Super Stadium on June 20, 2026. Picture: Matt Roberts / NRL PhotosSource: News Corp Australia

Braith Anasta also questioned why Harrison would walk away from the Gold Coast given he has already been at the club for a number of years and holds strong family and community ties to the region.

“I’ve met Zane’s dad before and they’re Gold Coast through and through. He loves the joint,” Anasta added.

“He loves living there. His friends and family are there. Why would he move?

“Why are you moving a kid from where he’s got stability and wellpaid regardless and he’s happy to go to a compound in PNG. It doesn’t make sense to me.”