Sam Walker has been an Origin star. That may not be good for the Roosters

The one person enjoying Sam Walker’s breakout Origin performances less than Blues coach Laurie Daley might just be Sydney Roosters supremo Nick Politis.

Walker is a free agent on November 1, and his stocks rocketed to new highs following his man-of-the-match performance for Queensland at the MCG on Wednesday night.

The 24-year-old has flourished at the Roosters since making his debut six seasons ago, but is yet to sit down with the club to discuss what happens beyond 2027.

The Roosters have already signed Hugo Savala and Toby Rodwell until the end of 2028, while another playmaker, Daly Cherry-Evans, has an option in his favour for 2027, but will take his time before deciding on his future.

Should NSW and Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary also go to the open market, there will be no shortage of clubs queuing up for his and Walker’s services.

Walker’s next deal could be up to $1.5 million a season on the back of what is expected to be a larger NRL broadcast deal. The Roosters also have to set money aside for skipper James Tedesco should he choose to play on after next year.

When asked about his market value soaring on the back of his Origin efforts, Walker said: “I haven’t had a single thought about it. I’ve still got a fair bit of time left at the Roosters and, fingers crossed, longer.”

Maroons and Roosters prop Lindsay Collins has been impressed by how easily Walker has adjusted to representative football, and hopes he will ultimately become a “Rooster for life”.

“When you come to this level of football, then you take it on the way he’s taken it on, and the maturity he’s shown, rep football makes you a better player, if you can handle it,” Collins said.

“There are some people that can’t handle it. But he does, and it will continue to make him a better player.

“He’s come up through the Roosters system, and been there since he was a kid. He’s also built a good life for himself [in Sydney] with his partner [Bella]. I’d love to see him become a Rooster for life.”

No moment summed up Walker’s brilliance against the Blues at the MCG better than his no-look pass to Kalyn Ponga that led to a Selwyn Cobbo try in the second half.

“I back my skill a fair bit, and I was lucky it came off – ‘KP’ is a freak of a footballer, and I knew if I threw it up there, he’d end up catching it,” Walker said.

“I heard his voice, so you trust your pass, and the reps you do with him. It was nice it paid off.

“I’m pretty confident in my footy at the moment. I feel like I’ve been playing really good footy in club land, and the coaching staff and players here at Queensland t