The Sydney Roosters have withdrawn their contract extension offer for halfback Sam Walker, according to The Daily Telegraph, which reported the development on Monday. The move leaves Walker, widely regarded as one of the club's key playmakers, without a pending deal at the Roosters.
The decision was reported across several Australian outlets. Nine.com.au described it as a bombshell, while The Canberra Times called it a shock, and the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Walker is now officially a free agent. The same report placed Hudson Young in the same position, signalling the start of a busy player market.
Fox Sports reported that Walker has made a significant move as a contract call looms, and that the NRL has restated its position on the salary cap. The reports did not include further detail on the terms of the withdrawn offer or the club's reasons for pulling it.
Walker's availability is likely to draw interest from rival clubs, given his standing in the game. What to watch next: whether rival clubs formalise interest in Walker, and whether the Roosters clarify their position on his future.
