The Sydney Roosters’ late season finals surge has hit a major road block with star halfback Sam Walker set for more time on the sidelines following the 30-10 loss to the Eels.
Walker suffered a category one concussion in just the eighth minute against Parramatta, ruling him out for the rest of the match—and also the now crucial Round 26 away clash with the Melbourne Storm next Friday night.
The dynamic 23-year-old playmaker caught his head in an awkward position trying to tackle Eels second rower Kelma Tuilagi and, as he struggled to regain his feet, it was clear his night was over.
It’s the latest setback in a hugely disjointed year for Walker, who missed the first half of the NRL season after rupturing his ACL in Round 26 of 2024.
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Walker’s long awaited NRL return was then delayed by a further four weeks after he broke his thumb at training, pushing his 2025 season debut out to Round 19.
Speaking after the Eels game Roosters coach Trent Robinson said Sandon Smith, 22, would be pulled from NSW Cup on Sunday and slot straight back into the halves in Walker’s place, renewing his partnership with boom five-eighth Hugo Savala.
Despite their shock loss to the Eels, the Roosters still hold their NRL finals destiny in their own hands, but the margin for error is small.
The Dolphins and Sea Eagles sit just one game behind, as will the Wests Tigers should Benji Marshall’s side beat the Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.