Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has refused to rule out a remarkable Sam Walker comeback for Saturday night’s sudden-death semi-final against Cronulla, despite the star halfback undergoing ankle surgery only weeks ago.
Walker was initially expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering a high-grade syndesmosis injury during the Roosters’ Round 26 loss to the Dolphins.
However, the Queensland playmaker has recently been spotted running at training, prompting Robinson to leave the door open for an extraordinary return at Allianz Stadium.
“Never say never,” Robinson said when asked about Walker’s chances of facing the Sharks, according to Fox Sports.
That response does not mean Walker has received medical clearance or is expected to play.
It does suggest the Roosters are unwilling to officially end his season while he continues progressing through an accelerated rehabilitation program.
The possibility will dominate the build-up to a match that could end Sydney’s premiership campaign and Daly Cherry-Evans’ final season in the NRL.
Walker Has Returned to Running After Surgery
Walker suffered the injury when his ankle became trapped beneath Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki during the second half of Sydney’s 26-12 defeat at Allianz Stadium.
He left the field in considerable discomfort and subsequently underwent surgery.
The Roosters’ official medical update confirmed Walker would work with the club’s medical and rehabilitation staff towards returning “as his recovery allows”.
That carefully worded statement stopped short of declaring his season over.
However, Walker was initially facing an estimated recovery period of approximately six to eight weeks, leaving even a grand-final appearance in serious doubt.
Returning against Cronulla would mean playing fewer than three weeks after surgery.
Running at training represents encouraging progress, but it remains several steps removed from being ready for an NRL final.
Walker must prove he can accelerate, change direction, kick repeatedly and withstand contact without exposing the repaired ankle to an unacceptable risk.
The Roosters also need to determine whether he could physically complete the match.
Selecting Walker would be of little benefit if he lasted only a handful of minutes and forced Robinson to reorganise his spine during a sudden-death final.
Robinson’s Comment May Be Designed to Keep Cronulla Guessing
There is another explanation for Robinson’s refusal to eliminate Walker from consideration.
The Roosters lose nothing by forcing Cronulla to prepare for two different halves combinations.
Craig Fitzgibbon and his coaching staff must now account for the possibility of facing Walker alongside Cherry-Evans, even if Sydney privately considers that outcome unlikely.
Walker and Hugo Savala pose different attacking problems.
Savala provides physicality, versatility and a reliable supporting role beside Cherry-Evans. Walker offers considerably more speed, creativity and unpredictability around the defensive line.
Cronulla’s preparation would change if Walker were expected to play.
The Sharks would need to spend more time analysing his short-side attacks, support play and combinations with James Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and the Roosters’ dangerous edge runners.
That uncertainty carries value during finals week.
Robinson’s “never say never” response may reflect genuine optimism about Walker’s recovery, but it also prevents Cronulla from settling upon one defensive plan.
The clearest indication will arrive when Sydney names its squad.
Even then, Walker could be included among the reserves without being a realistic chance of entering the final 17.
Roosters’ Attack Missed Walker Against Penrith
The Roosters demonstrated during their 19-12 qualifying-final loss to Penrith that they remain competitive without their first-choice halfback.
They also demonstrated why they desperately want him back.
Sydney stayed within reach of the minor premiers but struggled to convert sufficient attacking opportunities into points.
Cherry-Evans and Savala were playing only their third match together as a starting halves combination this season.
The veteran halfback provided control and experience, while Savala competed strongly in his preferred five-eighth role.
However, neither could fully replace the threat Walker had supplied throughout the season.
Walker entered the closing rounds with a competition-leading 22 try assists and had established an exciting combination with Cherry-Evans.
His instinctive attacking game complemented the 37-year-old’s organisation and kicking.
Without Walker, Cherry-Evans must assume greater responsibility for directing the side while Savala, Tedesco, Reece Robson and Connor Watson share the creative workload.
Cronulla will attempt to place enormous pressure on Cherry-Evans, knowing Sydney currently lacks its most dangerous alternative playmaker.
Walker’s return would immediately make that strategy more difficult.
Walker Would Face an Enormous Defensive Test
The benefits of selecting Walker are obvious.
The risks are equally significant.
Cronulla possesses one of the competition’s most physical forward packs, with Addin Fonua-Blake, Cameron McInnes, Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton capable of directing traffic towards a vulnerable defender.
Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall would almost certainly test Walker’s movement if he returned.
They could send repeated edge runners towards him, force him to make difficult defensive decisions and use their kicking game to make him turn and chase.
Walker would also need to survive contact every time he carried the ball into the defensive line.
A protective brace or heavy strapping may provide support, but neither can recreate match fitness or eliminate the possibility of reinjury.
Cronulla will not show sympathy because Walker has completed a rapid rehabilitation.
If he steps onto the field, the Sharks are entitled to treat him like every other defender.
That reality makes medical clearance more complicated than simply determining whether he can run without pain.
Roosters Cannot Pick Walker on Reputation
Walker is unquestionably one of Sydney’s most important players.
He should not be selected merely because the Roosters’ season is on the line.
A limited Walker may be less valuable than a fully fit Savala, particularly if his movement restricts Sydney’s defence or kicking game.
Robinson must also consider how Walker’s inclusion would affect the interchange.
Carrying Savala as insurance would provide protection if the halfback broke down, but it could leave the Roosters one forward short against a powerful Cronulla pack.
Sydney is already facing another difficult selection call involving Angus Crichton.
The former NSW and Australian back-rower is attempting to return from a foot injury, although Robinson was considerably less optimistic about his availability.
“I don’t know about Gussy,” the coach said.
Egan Butcher has been ruled out after failing a head injury assessment against Penrith, creating a potential vacancy for Crichton if he receives clearance.
If Walker and Crichton were both selected after lengthy absences, the Roosters would be placing enormous faith in two players who have completed limited preparation.
Finals often demand risk.
Selecting two underdone stars could move beyond calculated aggression and into desperation.
Walker’s Previous Injury Makes Decision More Delicate
This is not the first time Walker has suffered a serious injury immediately before a Roosters finals campaign.
He ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee late in the 2024 season, ruling him out of the finals and beginning a lengthy rehabilitation period.
A broken thumb then delayed his eventual comeback.
Walker responded by producing arguably the finest football of his career in 2026, earning the Queensland No.7 jersey and emerging as one of the NRL’s premier playmakers.
His long-term value to the Roosters extends considerably beyond this finals series.
Walker is contracted through 2027 but can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 for the following season.
Sydney has reportedly considered offering him the richest contract in the club’s history, reflecting its belief that he should become the central figure in its next premiership cycle.
That future cannot be ignored when assessing the risk of an early return.
A miraculous victory over Cronulla would be valuable.
Protecting the ankle of the player expected to lead the club for the next decade may be even more important.
Sydney Should Plan Without Him
Walker’s progress gives the Roosters genuine hope, but their preparation must continue as though he will not play.
Cherry-Evans and Savala need every available training repetition together after beginning only a small number of matches as a combination.
The Roosters cannot allow uncertainty around Walker to disrupt the pair tasked with guiding them unless the medical staff delivers a late clearance.
Sydney has already kept its season alive without its star halfback and possesses enough talent to defeat Cronulla.
Tedesco remains one of the competition’s best attacking fullbacks, while Nawaqanitawase, Daniel Tupou, Robert Toia and Billy Smith give the side considerable finishing power.
The Roosters must find a way to unlock those weapons regardless of Walker’s availability.
Robinson’s three words have transformed what appeared to be a straightforward team selection into the biggest mystery of the second finals week.
Walker is running again.
The door has not been closed.
But until he completes every medical and physical requirement, “never say never” should be interpreted as possibility—not a promise.
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