‘I hate them’: Walker masterclass that said everything about future... yet came with a $15m warning
NRL star Sam Walker is seeking a record-breaking $15 million, ten-year contract with the Roosters. While experts acknowledge his talent, they remain skeptical about the long-term viability of such a lengthy deal.
Why it matters
The negotiation highlights the escalating financial stakes in professional sports and the impact of new broadcast deals on player valuations.
NRL NRL-PREMIERSHIP What ‘massive spray’ at teammate says about Roosters superstar as greats send $15m warning Voss & Cronk unpack historic Chooks game | 09:39 Daniel Nuttall from Fox Sports July 31st, 2026 4:18 pm Despite Sam Walker’s stunning performance against the Cowboys on Thursday night, two greats believe the Roosters shouldn’t bow down to the halfback’s reported request of a massive ten-year-deal.
Walker’s future has been the impetus of much discussion in recent weeks with the halfback set to become a free agent on November 1.
Before the season even started, Walker was being tipped to become a million dollar player but his value has skyrocketed in 2026 due to his form for the second-placed Roosters, his exploits for the Maroons as an Origin rookie and the NRL’s new $5.3 billion broadcast deal.
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