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Live sport on SN this weekend'It's done': Walker certain to part ways with Roosters
Darren Walton, AAP •  October 30th, 2026 11:10 pm
Sam Walker and Trent Robinson shared a warm embrace after the Roosters clinched the premiership | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Trent Robinson has ended the Sam Walker contract saga once and for all, insisting there is no way the premiership-winning halfback will play for the Sydney Roosters beyond 2027.
While claiming Walker would remain with the Roosters next season, Robinson on Friday night said the club and hard-nosed chairman Nick Politis were certain to then move the 24-year-old on.
"Nick was pretty clear. We were pretty clear in those negotiations. We knew what we wanted and, no, that's it. It's done there," the Roosters coach told Channel Seven during World Cup commentary.
Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans hoist the trophy after the Roosters' grand final triumph | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
"Sam's moved on and we've moved on, so there's no way to get a deal done after this."
The Roosters dramatically pulled a contract offer, reportedly worth $1.1 million a season, for Walker to remain at Bondi Junction until at least 2030.
It is understood the Queensland State of Origin playmaker and new Kangaroos debutant was seeking another $200,000 a season.
But, as in negotiations with Latrell Mitchell six years ago, billionaire Politis would not budge.
"No one's done anything wrong. No one's a bad person in this," Robinson said.
"He didn't want to sign. We wanted to sign him for an amount and we couldn't get it done."
The four-time premiership-winning coach maintained Walker had ample time to consider his options.
"Don't forget we started middle of the year in negotiations," Robinson said.
"They pushed it back to after the season, and (now) we're after the season and November 1's coming, and Sam was our biggest contract.
"So therefore a lot of dominoes have to fall after that and other players need to know as well.
"So it was pretty clear in the timeline that we gave him and, I've said before, these deals aren't difficult.
"We're not talking about is this the right club? Am I going to develop in this club as a young player? It's do I want to be here, and is the money right?
"And we couldn't get it done."
There is certain to be plenty of interest for Sam Walker during the trade period | Photo: Mark Evans/AAP
Regardless of whether or not Walker is truly part of the Roosters' plans for next season, he will be among the hottest free agents when the NRL trade period opens on Sunday.
With North Queensland and Walker's Maroons and Kangaroos teammate Tom Deardon on Friday saying there was "zero chance" of a swap deal with the Roosters, the premiers are seemingly set to show faith in young gun Toby Rodwell to partner Hugo Savala in the halves after Walker's exit.
