Shockwaves were sent through the NRL landscape over the past 24 hours as Roosters superstar Sam Walker put the Roosters on hold.
Despite a huge money offer, news has spread that Walker may be willing to test his market value come November 1st, although he could still lock up an extension with the Roosters once the season is over.
With the money and opportunity on offer due to two new clubs entering the competition, Walker would be mad not to explore his options.
If he does hold out until November, there will be no shortage of suitors. Probably 14 clubs would have a look, but I'be narrowed it down to five, genuine options here.
Here are five potential landing spots for Sam Walker in 2028:
3. Wests Tigers
Almost as desperately as the Bears need to land that big fish, the Tigers find themselves in a similar situation.
The Tigers are losing Jarome Luai to PNG, via Parramatta, and have only signed Jake Averillo for 2026. I like Averillo but this isn't in the same realm as a potential Walker coup.
Adam Doueihi feels like a six playing seven while Jock Madden and Latu Fainu are in the system.
I have no idea about the Tigers cap situation but if they don't have $1.5 million spare, then their management need to be expelled right away.
The Tigers long, long suffering fans need a win. Sam Walker in the orange and black would be a tremendous step forward.
He could genuinely be what Luai promised to yet ultimately failed to provide. An Origin level player who could change the fortunes of the club.
He'd 25 (almost 26) by the time he arrived which would put him right in the middle of his peak. Really he could play another six, seven, even eight years at the highest level.
I'm not sure Walker would be open to a switch to a club in a constant rebuild but if he wants a challenge, this would provide one.
