MASSIVE BLOW: Sam Walker Ruled Out For Six Months — Roosters Star Sidelined As Injury Sinks Dolphins Defeat
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — The Sydney Roosters have been dealt a devastating blow, with star halfback Sam Walker officially ruled out for approximately six months after suffering a serious ankle injury in Saturday’s 26–12 defeat to the Dolphins at Allianz Stadium. The confirmation comes after scans late on Saturday night revealed significant ligament damage, casting a long shadow over the Tricolours’ finals aspirations and triggering a major reshuffle of their playmaking lineup.
Walker was forced from the field in the 53rd minute, limping heavily after landing awkwardly in a tackle from Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. The playmaker could not put weight on his left leg and was assisted up the tunnel, leaving his side without its primary game-manager as they slipped to a second consecutive defeat. The club held out hope immediately post-match, but the scan results confirmed the worst — a prolonged spell on the sidelines that will keep the 22-year-old Origin representative out until well into the 2027 season.
The injury blow opens the door for veteran recruit Daly Cherry-Evans to step back into the No.7 jersey and assume the primary playmaking role — the position he occupied with such distinction across 15 seasons at Manly. The 37-year-old, who joined the Roosters on a one-year deal ahead of a move to the English Super League in 2027, had been sharing halves duties alongside Walker in the No.6. Now he takes full control of the team’s attack, with Hugo Savala likely to partner him in the halves.
“Losing Sam for this length of time is heartbreaking for him and a massive loss for our team,” head coach Trent Robinson confirmed. “He has been in outstanding form and is central to everything we do. But we have a squad, and we have a leader in Daly who has done this at the highest level for a long time. He understands the responsibility and he’s ready to take the reins.”
Walker’s absence could not come at a worse moment. The Roosters sit precariously inside the top four but have lost two straight, and now face the finals series without their creative heartbeat. Cherry-Evans, however, brings immense experience and composure — qualities the club will lean heavily on as they attempt to navigate the post-season without their star No.7.
“Daly knows what it takes,” Robinson added. “He’s been our general before, and he’ll step up again. We’re not making excuses — we’re adapting. We play for each other, and we play for the person who can’t be out there with us.”
Walker will begin a rehabilitation program immediately, with the club targeting a return early in the 2027 pre-season. For now, all focus shifts to Cherry-Evans and the opportunity to lead the Roosters deep into the finals — a final chapter before his NRL career concludes.
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