Roosters dealt pre-season blow as Walker sidelined for two months
Sydney Roosters have been hit with a critical injury setback ahead of the 2026 season, with key halfback Sam Walker ruled out for two months after picking up an injury in Thursday’s training session.
Coach Trent Robinson confirmed the news, labeling the loss as “massive” for the club’s pre-season preparations as they aim to build on their 2025 campaign. While details of the injury were not released, Robinson stressed the importance of Walker’s presence in the side’s attacking structure and leadership group.
“Sam is the heartbeat of our attack – his vision, composure and ability to perform under pressure make him irreplaceable in our current setup,” Robinson said. “Missing him for the next two months is a big challenge, but our focus is on supporting his recovery and ensuring he returns stronger for the regular season.”
Walker, who has never played for Parramatta Eels despite his memorable performances against them, has established himself as one of the NRL’s most exciting playmakers since making his debut. He claimed the Dally M Rookie of the Year award in 2021 and has since become a cornerstone of the Roosters’ lineup, consistently creating tries and delivering game-changing moments in high-stakes matches.
His battles against the Eels have been particularly standout: in the 2023 finals, he kicked a match-winning field goal to send the Roosters through to the next round, while in 2022 he scored a brilliant try by chipping over Parramatta’s defense – adding a field goal and crucial penalties to seal victory. These performances have made him a fan favorite at Bondi Junction and a thorn in the side of their western Sydney rivals.
The injury will see Walker miss the remainder of pre-season training and potentially the opening rounds of the 2026 NRL season. The Roosters’ medical team is confident in a full recovery, but the club will now need to shuffle their lineup to cover his absence in the early part of the year.
