November 1 is looming. But Sam Walker is keeping contract talks on hold

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker has placed contract negotiations on hold to focus solely on his upcoming Test debut for Australia against Fiji on Sunday. The 24-year-old will hit the open market on November 1 if an extension is not finalized, with his management reportedly seeking around $1.7 million per season over four years from 2028, while the Roosters are reportedly prepared to offer approximately $1.5 million annually.

Walker partners with Tom Dearden in a reshuffled Australian spine that also features James Tedesco and debutant hooker Blayke Brailey. Walker earned his Kangaroos selection following an impressive recovery from a late-season syndesmosis injury suffered in round 26, capitalizing on tournament-ending injuries to both Mitchell Moses and Nathan Cleary.