Departing Roosters playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans has lauded the premiers after they “put the club first above any individual” when pulling their contract offer to Sam Walker, but maintained the halfback has done nothing wrong in attempting to maximise his earnings during a finite footballing career.
Walker’s future is clouded after the Roosters withdrew their offer of a $4.2 million extension, raising questions about whether he has played his last game for the Tricolours.
The Maroons and Kangaroos halfback has made it clear he intends to play out the final year of his current deal, which expires at the end of next season, but what happens beyond then is unclear.
The Roosters aborted negotiations after the Walker camp asked for more time and money, incensing club chairman Nick Politis. The drama occurred less than a month after Walker and halves partner Cherry-Evans helped steer the Roosters to a thrilling grand final victory over Newcastle, and just days after he made his Australian debut.
No stranger to much-publicised contract negotiations during his own career – most notably a decision to backflip on a deal with the Titans to remain at Manly, as permitted under the rules – Cherry-Evans can see both sides of the Walker situation.
“Maybe I’m a little too emotionless with these things, but it’s the game; it’s business,” Cherry-Evans said.
“I really admire how the Roosters have stood their ground on what they believe is right for the club. That’s one thing that has stood out during my time here: they put the club first above any individual. And from my point of view on Sam, he is doing what’s best for him, his family and his future.
“That’s the thing with all of this – no one has actually done anything wrong. Emotions run high, and everyone wants to see players stay and hates seeing them leave, which I understand. But at the end of the day, it’s simply a contract negotiation … I back Sam to have a great, long career in the NRL. We’d all love to see it happen at the Roosters, and there’s still a chance it will, but it’s a business.”
Cherry-Evans was speaking on Thursday at the launch of a range of VB cans celebrating the Roosters’ NRL and NRLW premierships. The two-time premiership winning half said he was committed to joining English Super League club Hull FC next year and there was “no way” he would consider backflipping to replace Walker.
“I respect both sides of it,” he said of the club’s stand-off with Walker. “When a club believes in the path they’re on and what they need to succeed, that can obviously come at the cost of individuals. Whereas, as a player, you always have to make sure that when it comes to a contract, you put yourself and your family first.
“I’ve always found that once the contract situation is done, it’s up to you to be the best teammate you can possibly be. In my experience, back in the day, I had teammates who expected me to structure my contract a certain way for the club. I don’t share that belief. I believe that as a player, you have the right to negotiate whatever terms and conditions you want.
“Then, once you’ve done that, you give your team everything you’ve got. Not everyone might share that view, but that’s my perspective.”
Cherry-Evans, who has been in touch with Walker to check on his welfare, felt the club was well stocked with halves options in Hugo Savala and youngsters Toby Rodwell, Reece Foley, Carter Mareko, Charlie Webb and Samuel Large.
“While it looks like no one necessarily planned for Sam to leave, I can promise you that the plans in place for the next man up look really clear to me,” he said.
“It’s very rare to see the Roosters take a year to regroup. The depth is strong. There are a lot of good people within that squad that I loved playing alongside and getting to know this year.
“That group of halves is a special group, that’s for sure. I’m not sure what the future holds for all of them, but they all have the ability.”
Roosters forward Victor Radley, addressing the Walker situation from England camp in Wollongong, had also checked in with his Roosters teammate.
“A lot of coaches had my back last year, and so did the players, including Sammy,” Radley said.
“I sat back for a couple of days this week and didn’t call Sammy, then thought to myself, ‘Why wouldn’t I call him and have his back?’ because he had mine, and it meant the world when he did.
“I made sure he was sweet. Even though I don’t have much pull with his situation, I wanted to reach out as a mate.
“I was shocked by the news. Rugby league can be a crazy and vicious environment, and things change so quickly. But I expect him there next year, which will only help us try and win the comp again.
“Even if he is not, if I’m not, it doesn’t matter who comes or who leaves the club, all I know is the Roosters will be challenging for titles every year.”
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