Sydney Roosters withdraw Sam Walker extension offer: premiership halfback can talk to rivals from November 1

The Sydney Roosters announced on the evening of October 26, 2026, that they had advised halfback Sam Walker's management that the club's offer for a contract extension beyond the 2027 season had been withdrawn, after the parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms.

What the club said

The club said it remains focused on maintaining a premiership-winning roster, with all recruitment and retention decisions made to support the strength, balance and long-term success of the playing squad. The statement gave no salary figures, and reported figures in the media differ, so no single reported number is relied on here.

One point to be clear about: what was withdrawn is the extension offer, not the current contract. Walker remains contracted to the Roosters for the 2027 season; under NRL practice he can talk to rival clubs from November 1, and if talks do not resume he will become a free agent after the 2027 season.

Why this matters

Walker, 24, made his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2021 and has played all 109 of his NRL games for the club. This month he helped the Roosters win the grand final 19-18 over the Newcastle Knights, kicking three goals; on Sunday he made his Kangaroos debut for Australia in a 36-22 win over Fiji. Earlier this year he also made his State of Origin debut for Queensland.

In other words, the club has let go of a premiership-winning halfback at the peak of his form just before the November 1 open market, which is why the story is drawing attention. The next watchpoints are whether talks resume and which clubs formally approach him from November 1.