Sydney Roosters star Sam Walker remains focused on delivering a premiership trophy to Bondi, with negotiations on his contract to be on hold until the end of the season.
The Queensland Maroons halfback is on the brink of leading his side to a minor premiership in 2026, with the tri-colours the closest to a title win since they last raised the trophy in 2019.
Walker's management has confirmed with Zero Tackle that extension negotiations will resume with the club once the Roosters' season is over, so Walker can apply all his focus on bringing the foundation side its 16th title.
Earlier reports emerged that Walker was set to head to the open market, although it is understood Walker's preference is to remain in Bondi with the Roosters before gauging interest elsewhere.
Walker starred in his debut series in State of Origin this year, claiming a Player of the Match accolade in Game 2 when he steered his state to victory in a 44-24 demolition job in Melbourne.
It puts him in the box seat to claim the Maroons halfback jersey well into the next decade as he grows into one of the premier playmakers in the NRL.
The 24-year-old's value may increase rapidly in his next contract courtesy of the NRL's latest TV rights deal, which is expected to inflate the salary cap total when the deal kicks into gear in 2028.
The top playmakers in the competition will be the greatest beneficiaries of the broadcast deal, and can expect a pay-day.
Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary hasn't made a decision on whether he will go to market on November 1 this year for a 2028 contract.
If he decides to see what's out there, he could earn upwards of one and a half million dollars per season, making him the highest-paid player in the game.
Walker is considered in the same category, with a News Corp report in late July revealing the Roosters are keen to table the Ipswich-product a lucrative deal to keep him at the club long-term.
The two maestro halfbacks will go head-to-head on Thursday night in a blockbuster clash to take first place on the ladder with only three games to follow before finals begin.
The Roosters face the Tigers, Dolphins and Rabbitohs and could snatch first place from the Panthers in the last leg of the season to seal the minor premiership, despite the men from the foot of the mountains holding the spot for most of the year.
