Sydney Roosters premiership player Sam Walker is reportedly open to a code switch with an eye on representing the Wallabies at next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Code Sports revealed that Walker may explore a move to rugby union as the Kangaroos and Queensland halfback assesses his options following his $4.2 million deal with the Roosters falling over.
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Walker has reportedly received inquiries from three other NRL clubs since the Roosters removed their three-year off to the 24-year-old last month.
He has one year left on his current deal with the Roosters, but the premiers are reportedly willing to part ways before the 2027 season.
That stance has created the possibility of Walker wearing Wallaby gold in a home World Cup.
Walker’s management said they have not received a formal approach from Rugby Australia, but they did say a potential move will be considered following the end of the current Rugby League World Cup.
“Sam would look at the opportunity, yes,” Walker’s manager Clinton Schifcofske, who defected to rugby from the NRL during his playing days, said.
“No one has reached out from rugby (Australia) but it’s not something Sam would rule out.
“He was a star in rugby as a teenager – he was an absolute freak. In rugby, you can make a few mistakes and have a bit more freedom, which suits Sam’s style.”
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh was asked about acquiring Walker last month and gave an emphatic response.
“We’ve been consistent on this, about creating an environment where we want players, as many great players as we can, coming into rugby,” the former Wallabies captain said.
“We’ve said it a million times, the door’s open for athletes who want to achieve something great.
“He’s one that’s obviously achieved great things in rugby league.
“With his skill set, he’s got the capability to play both codes at the highest level.”
Rugby Australia tried to sign Walker when he was only 16.
He represented the Queensland schoolboys and played in Ipswich Grammar’s first XV for three straight years before setting his sights on the NRL.
An offer to switch codes was also put to Walker in 2019 when he left the Brisbane Broncos, but instead joined the Roosters.
Code Sports reported that this time around he could be offered around $800,000 a season from Rugby Australia, if he decided to join former Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
“Sam has actually played the game,” said Schifcofske, who played 23 games for the Queensland Reds after his code switch from Canberra.
“One of the most enjoyable things for me was watching Sam playing rugby at ‘Ippy’ Grammar. I enjoyed watching him more in rugby than when he was playing league at the (Ipswich) Jets.”
Schifcofske’s comments are similar to those made by Walker’s father, Ben, before his State of Origin debut earlier this year.
“We spoke to rugby when Sam was 16,” he told Code Sports.
“He did his due diligence pretty firmly.
“Rugby Australia were definitely one option, they were keen to sign him.
“Sam was a very good union player, but he’s always been a league kid and we felt at the time the Roosters would give him the best opportunity for success.”
It would not be the first time that NRL stars have jumped ship for a Rugby World Cup.
Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers all did so in 2003, while Walker’s Roosters teammates Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase returned to rugby last month after their grand final victory.
There is also the possibility that Walker could follow the lead of Schifcofske’s client Zac Lomax.
He signed a $350,000-a-year-deal with Rugby Australia earlier this year after a proposed move to the rebel R360 competition collapsed.
But Lomax will return to the NRL with new franchise the PNG Chiefs when they enter the competition in 2028.
Chiefs’ coach Willie Peters has confirmed his interest in Walker and reports suggest he could pocket $1.2 million-a-year tax-free with PNG.
“That’s the issue for next year,” Schifcofske said.
“I don’t know how many clubs can afford him. No one has a lot of space in their salary cap, so it’s going to be difficult.”
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