‘All the players would agree’: Tedesco backs Walker to stay for premiership defence

James Tedesco has thrown his support behind Sam Walker, backing him to stay at the club next season despite his impending departure.

The Roosters won’t return to the negotiating table for Walker with his current set to end after the 2027 season. His future at the club is now under question with the Roosters reportedly happy to let him go early.

Sam Walker and James Tedesco. NRL Imagery

However, club captain Tedesco wants his halfback to stick around in the short term.

“We want him there. His credentials, what he’s achieved so far in his career, we want him there, I think all the players would agree with that,” he said on 9news Sydney.

“I don’t know what that looks like on the business side of footy or what Sammy wants to do as well, but Sammy is a big part of our team and our success this year, and we want him next year.”

Walker is on the lookout for a new club, with the player market heating up post November 1 and rivals now able to make offers for those off contract.

The halves market itself is wide open with Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, Walker and Matt Burton all high on the list.

Latrell Mitchell, Herbie Farnworth, and Jack Bostock are off contract too as clubs ponder how to manage their salary caps.

Tedesco himself is off contract but seeing him finish his career outside the Roosters would be one of the great shocks in rugby league.

The fullback admitted he hopes to sign on with an eye towards retirement after his next deal.

“I’ve had good chats with Robbo and will be pretty keen for ’28 ... I feel like I can go for another two years, that will probably be me (done) if I do 28,” he confessed.

“I will be pretty content with that, hopefully we can work something out.”