Contract negotiations between the Sydney Roosters and star halfback Sam Walker have hit a stall, with the Maroons star reluctant to sign a $5 million extension in Bondi for four years.
The Courier Mail is reporting Walker has placed discussions on his future on hold after negotiations for a contract extension broke down with the Roosters.
It means the Queensland Maroons halfback could hit the open market on November 1 this year for a contract in 2028 if the Roosters don't strike a deal beforehand.
Zero Tackle has reached out to Walker's management for clarification on the situation.
If Walker decides to hit the open market in four months' time, there will be plenty of clubs keen to make a splash for one of the premier halves in the competition.
It includes the PNG Chiefs, who can offer tax-free dollars to incentivise Walker to make the trip to Port Moresby alongside star power recruits Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax and Connor Watson among more.
It is understood Walker didn't agree with the four-year extension tabled by the club, leaving Walker to hold off on making any decisions for now.
It still means Walker and the Roosters can come to terms to strike a deal before he is able to speak with other clubs.
The 24-year-old halfback's preference is to remain at Bondi, and could very well be holding off on negotiations to focus on delivering a premiership trophy back to the Eastern Suburbs for the first time in seven years.
It is reported the first year of Walker's tabled extension is $1.1 million, due to the latest TV rights deal expected to inflate the salary cap when it kicks into gear in 2028.
However, ratchet clauses in the offer could see him earn an extra $300k a year as the years go by in the extension.
Walker won Player of the Match in Game 2 of the State of Origin series in his debut year in Maroon, displaying he has what it takes to step up to the representative arena.
Being plucked from the Broncos system, and later making his NRL debut in 2021, Walker has shown to be a franchise player for the Roosters, with hopes of delivering a premiership along a star-studded spine of James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans this year.
The club sits in second place on the ladder and will battle it out with finals-like intensity against the Penrith Panthers on Thursday.
The winner of the clash will claim first place on the ladder, and could very well decider the minor premiership for 2026.
