Sam Walker will make his long-awaited return to rugby league on Sunday with the Sydney Roosters halfback hopeful of returning to the NRL as early as next week.
The 21-year-old hopes to play the entire 80 minutes for North Sydney in the NSW Cup, which will be his first game since April 30 when he partially tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Walker initially hoped to be back in a few weeks, but has been forced to undergo a series of tests to ensure he does not risk fully rupturing his ACL.
The Roosters risk missing out on the finals, and the make-up of their halves has been one of the big talking points.
Drew Hutchison was due to start against the Dolphins on Saturday night alongside Luke Keary, but Sandon Smith and Joey Manu have also been used in the halves.
There have even been whispers about Walker exiting Bondi with two years to run on his deal – but the youngster is not only committed to his long-term future, he is hopeful of a first-grade return in the final three weeks.
Sam Walker returns to rugby league via reserve grade on SundayCredit: James Alcock
The conservative approach would have been to rest Walker the rest of the season and have him fresh for 2024, but he said he had done more than enough work to be back to “doing what I love to do”.
“I’d love to get back into the NRL, and I’ll be doing everything I can to get back, be it next week or the next couple of weeks – whatever happens, happens,” Walker told this masthead.
“Even if it’s not this year, I’m 100 per cent committed to the Roosters. I’m not going anywhere.
“I’m just focusing on getting through Sunday. It’s been such a long time.
“There was a setback I had a little while ago. I had hoped to get back earlier. I’m just grateful the injury isn’t as bad as it could have been.
“We’ve given the knee enough time now. I’m confident it will hold up under pressure.”
Walker was dropped earlier this year before he injured his knee in reserve grade against the New Zealand Warriors.
There were later suggestions Walker was keen for a return home to Queensland and that his off-the-cuff approach to the game was discouraged by club consultant Cooper Cronk. Both parties shot down the speculation at the time.
Walker has been back training with the full squad the past few weeks, and said it had been tough seeing his teammates struggle when he was unable to do anything.
“It’s always tough watching, especially when we’re not going as well,” he said.
Coach Trent Robinson has adopted a cautious approach with Walker, and made sure the youngster underwent the proper testing on his knee.
The 2021 NRL rookie of the year was not named for North Sydney at the start of the week, but will be a huge boost for the Roosters’ feeder club who lead the way in the NSW Cup.
The Roosters finish their season with matches against Parramatta (away), Wests Tigers (home) and South Sydney (away). The Eels are set to be without their own No.7, Mitchell Moses, who suffered a facial fracture in the 54-10 loss to Parramatta in Brisbane on Friday night and needed a medical clearance to fly home with the team.
