Broncos identify a Roosters star as a replacement for Adam Reynolds

Brisbane Broncos are reportedly set to make a push to sign Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker before the start of the next NRL season. Walker, 22, is a free agent this November and is seen by the Broncos as an ideal replacement for Adam Reynolds. 

Roosters concerned about losing Sam Walker 

At 22-years-old, Sam Walker has emerged this season as one of the NRL’s best young playmakers. Unfortunately for Roosters, they could lose him for nothing after his breakout season.  
 
Walker’s current deal at Sydney expires in November this year. According to NRL 360’s Braith Anasta, Roosters are increasingly worried about losing Walker this summer.  
 
“Sam Walker, there are a few murmurs around, because they (Rooster) haven’t secured his services yet, that he could go in November. There’s a bit of concern there that he could go to the open market,” Anasta said this week.  
 
Journalist James Hooper said there’s absolutely interest in Walker from other NRL clubs.  
 
“He’s such an exciting young player to do what he’s doing at 22 years of age as a halfback,” Hooper said, “Clearly he’s going to be a player who’s in demand.” 

Broncos to make a play for Walker 

The top club interested in signing Walker is reportedly Brisbane Broncos. He could be an ideal candidate to replace the retiring Adam Reynolds. 
 
“Sam is from Queensland, he’s an Ipswich kid, I’m sure that the Brisbane Broncos would be heavily, heavily looking (at Walker). I’d be stunned if his name hadn’t been mentioned inside the walls of the Brisbane Broncos,” Hooper said on NRL 360.  
 
Broncos could pay Walker over $1 million per season. This is reportedly more than Roosters are willing to pay for the young halfback right now.  
 
Besides the money, another major factor that could influence his decision is that Walker is a boyhood Broncos fan. His father Ben and uncles Shane and Chriss all played for Broncos.  
 
While the links to Broncos are definitely strong, Roosters still have a chance of keeping Walker.  
 
“Roosters rarely get it wrong when it comes to recruitment and retention,” explained Hooper, “in this case it’s retaining Sam. I think they’re going to have to try and strike the right price” 

If Roosters can find the right balance and Walker’s right price, we may see him staying with Roosters for a little longer. If he continues to develop, he could play a key player for Sydney as they make a title push this season and beyond.