Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has unwavering belief in “X-factor” Sam Walker to steer the club forward long into the future, conceding the club is coming to the end of an “era” amid key departures and the retirement of Luke Keary.
The Roosters have lost veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for what would have been his 300th game against Brisbane on Friday night due to a calf complaint, with Robinson confident there won’t be “any emotion” in the first clash since the Las Vegas racism saga.
Roosters prop Spencer Leniu was given an eight-game suspension for calling Broncos playmaker Ezra Mam a “monkey” in their opening round clash in the US and won’t be in action at Suncorp Stadium.
Robinson said he couldn’t speak for the Broncos but didn’t expect any ongoing fallout on Friday night.
“Not from our point of view,” he said on Thursday.
“Spencer has done his penance, he’s not playing, there won’t be any emotion from us. We’re there to play footy.”
The Roosters head to Brisbane after an Anzac Day smashing of St George Illawarra set up by star young halfback Walker, who set up five tries, earning the Queensland junior comparisons to legendary playmaker Allan Langer.
Robinson said those comparisons were “fair” as he hailed the “visionary” aspects of Walker’s game.
“Everyone likes to put a tag on a player with a former player so we can get a bit of a reference point,” he said.
“Both Ipswich boys, short kicking game is visionary, so I think that’s fair. The game is really different now but the innate skills both of them have, that’s fair.
“Sam does play out of the box, he does play things other players don’t see, that causes indecision in the opposition which is a benefit for us.”
Walker’s importance will lift a gear in 2025 with halves partner Luke Keary headed into retirement.
