NRL

Speaking on Wednesday Sydney Rosters coach Trent Robinson was full of praise for his star No.7 Sam Walker, but far less so with Walker’s management.

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Speaking with the media ahead of the heavyweight showdown with the Panthers on Thursday night, Robinson was clearly unimpressed with news in The Courier Mail today that Walker had knocked back a four-year extension worth $5 million to remain at the Tricolours beyond 2027.

“I think it’s strange that it’s come out,” Robinson said, leaving little doubt where he felt blame for the leak lay.

“Peter (Badel) has done well as a journalist to get that information… but I think it’s strange that’s come out in Queensland… it’s pretty clear how that comes out from management when there was only a couple of people (in the negotiations) so that’s disappointing.”

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While disappointed with the news being leaked to the media, Robinson said he supported the 24-year-old’s right to stand firm and delay the current negotiations explaining it as ‘a real positive.’

“Our vision for the future with Sammy is really clear and I think our discussions have been around that,” he continued.

“I’ve got no issue with him waiting until October… the way I interpreted it is Sammy wants to focus on playing right now, which from a coach’s point of view, how good?”

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With Walker’s contract extension talks delayed, it means the star halfback could hit the open market on November 1 which would potentially pave the way for a massive tax-free approach from the PNG Chiefs which could effectively double his salary with the stroke of a pen.

‘It’s not a level playing field’ says Robinson

Despite the fact the Roosters would be unable to compete financially in such a bidding war, Robinson refused to criticise the advantage the Chiefs have been given by the NRL for their entry in 2028.

“It’s not a level playing field, I think we can see that,” Robinson said, recognising that for many people the PNG Chiefs are getting too much assistance while the Perth Bears perhaps aren’t getting enough. 

“But do we want our game to grow? One hundred per cent.

“We’re not going to stop at 19 teams… if we want more money in the game and want to expand the game, we need more teams.

“So I think it’s a real positive thing and players are going to go like we’ve seen.”

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Just preferably not his star No.7, of course.