Less than a day after the Roosters withdrew their offer, Australia coach Kevin Walters omitted Walker from the side to face Cook Islands – but insisted his contract situation played no part in the decision.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has dropped halfback Sam Walker from the Kangaroos starting lineup to face the Cook Islands, selecting Tom Dearden and Cameron Munster in the halves instead. The decision came less than 24 hours after the Sydney Roosters withdrew a three-year, $4.2 million contract extension offer to Walker. Walters insisted the omission was purely tactical and unrelated to Walker's contract situation.
Elsewhere in the squad, Reece Walsh returns at fullback with James Tedesco moved to the bench, while Canberra playmaker Ethan Strange is named for his debut. Up to seven clubs are reportedly interested in Walker as multiple Australian players prepare to test their market value ahead of the upcoming free agency period.
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