The Roosters coach isn’t too happy about the speculation.
Trent Robinson has criticized rumors that Mitchell Moses turned down an offer to rejoin the Eels when he expressed interest in bringing Sam Walker back to the team. Despite having a long-term contract with the Eels, Moses has been connected to a move to the Roosters in recent weeks.
Parramatta has signed the Blues halfback till the end of 2026. Additionally, he has a clause that might allow him to remain for two more NRL seasons. However, given that Walker’s contract with the Roosters expires in2026, rumors have indicated that the club may be keeping an eye on him following his State of Origin exploits this year.
With several prominent players departing at the end of 2024, the Roosters should have an abundance of money in the wage cap. One star who will be leaving at the end of the season is Luke Keary, which will mean the end of his halves pairing with Walker. Walker is still learning his craft at the Roosters, but he has had an excellent season as the No. 7 player. His contract expires in 2026, thus he is also in the center of the negotiations.
If a deal cannot be reached, there have been strong rumors that the Roosters may consider using Moses as Walker’s long-term successor. Robinson, though, has categorically denied that the Eels halfback will be switching, claiming that the rumors have been stoked by the media. In addition, he said that halfback Walker was having difficulties because the team wanted to re-sign the gifted young player.
The three-time premiership-winning coach said, “He’s (Moses) an outstanding player and we tried to sign him a few years ago, but there hasn’t been one conversation about that,” Robinson stated on Thursday. “The absurdity of our reporting and our attempts to produce news stems from the fact that no one has had a conversation about it.
The fact that someone brings up something about someone you’ve never spoken about while you’re trying to re-sign Sam is a little annoying. For three or four days, it makes noise, and we’re still talking about it now. That is the world we live in.
Trent Robinson praises Sam Walker’s NRL growth
Moses is unquestionably one of the NRL’s top halfbacks, but the Roosters have been winning in 2024, with Walker having maybe his greatest season in the No. 7 shirt. The 22-year-old’s contract expires at the end of 2025, although he is still developing as a player on the pitch.
Robinson is now even more adamant about wanting to sign Walker to a lengthier contract. Robinson remarked, “It’s the best space I’ve seen him in his career with us,” prior to this weekend’s matchup with the Eels.
“I’m really proud of where he’s come from and where he’s working towards. He’s really clear on his game and the team’s game.” This week, the Roosters take on the struggling Eels in an attempt to secure a spot in the final four.
With three games remaining, a victory would bring the Roosters’ point total to 34. For a top four finish, the Sharks and Bulldogs are competing as well. Good news for the Roosters: Mark Nawaqanitawase, a rugby union convert, will play his first reserve grade game at Wentworth Park against the Bulldogs.
