Sam Walker Is Open to a Switch to Rugby Union and the Wallabies for the 2027 World Cup
Sam Walker would consider leaving rugby league for rugby union and a shot at the Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup in Australia, his manager has confirmed, two weeks after the Sydney Roosters withdrew their contract offer.
“Sam would look at the opportunity, yes,” Clinton Schifcofske told The Courier Mail. “No one has reached out from rugby (Australia), but it’s not something Sam would rule out.”
He has played union before
Walker was a star in the 15-man game as a teenager. He played three seasons in the Ipswich Grammar first XV and for Queensland schoolboys, and Rugby Australia tried to sign him in 2019, when he was 17, Serious About Rugby League reported.
“He was a star in rugby as a teenager. He was an absolute freak,” Schifcofske said. “In rugby, you can make a few mistakes and have a bit more freedom, which suits Sam’s style.”
His manager knows the move well. Schifcofske switched from union to the NRL himself in 2006, and he manages Zac Lomax, who left the NRL for union after the 2025 season before signing with the PNG Chiefs. Mark Nawaqanitawase, another Roosters grand final winner, has also made the switch.
How it came to this
Walker is the Roosters’ premiership-winning halfback and played for the Kangaroos at this World Cup. He was born in Leeds while his father played in Super League, and chose Australia over England.
The Roosters pulled their offer after his camp pushed for more money, and Trent Robinson has said a new deal is off the table. Walker is due about $1.05 million in 2027, Zero Tackle reported.
He wants to see out that contract at Bondi. The Daily Telegraph reported the Roosters would let him go before 2027 if a rival can fit him under the cap.
Who else wants him
League clubs are lining up for 2028. The PNG Chiefs are expected to chase him now that Nathan Cleary has stayed at Penrith, and Mal Meninga has named Walker as one of three targets for the Perth Bears. Three NRL clubs have made contact, the Telegraph reported.
Serious About Rugby League suggested a one-year union stint for the 2027 World Cup, then a return to the NRL in 2028. Schifcofske said Walker will start weighing his options after the Rugby League World Cup final on 15 November. Our story on Robinson and Walker covers how the talks ended.
