Sam Walker's future in the NRL is up in the air, with a potential move to free agency on November 1st. The breakdown in contract talks between Walker and the Roosters has opened the door for several clubs to make a big move for the Maroons Origin halfback. The four clubs in the running are the PNG Chiefs, the Bears, the Bulldogs, and the Broncos.
The PNG Chiefs are offering a tax-free contract that could nearly double Walker's earnings. They have been making rival NRL clubs nervous with their 'reserved' step on their staircase, indicating their plans for their halfback. The Chiefs want a marquee halfback and could offer Walker at least $1.2 million a season, tax-free, to leave the Roosters.
The Bears, a struggling new franchise, have been granted a 20% marquee player salary cap exemption, allowing them to offer Walker at least $250,000 more per season than the Roosters. However, the Bears' chances of signing Walker are slim, as he is unlikely to leave the Roosters for a franchise that many believe will finish last in 2027.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, would love to give Lachlan Galvin a genuine halfback to play alongside, and with the salary cap space to fit Walker in, they could be a strong contender. The Broncos, with Adam Reynolds retiring, could also come into the picture and offer to bring Walker back to his home state.
Despite the broken down contract negotiations, the Roosters are still the favourites to retain Walker. However, if he decides to move on, the Chiefs would be favourites to get him, followed by the Bulldogs, Bears, and Broncos. The Roosters' potential Plan B is Nathan Cleary, but the odds of him leaving the Panthers are low.
The future of Sam Walker remains uncertain, but the four clubs mentioned above are the most likely to make a big move for the star halfback.
