‘Club before individual’: DCE backs Roosters for standing firm over Walker contract

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. Loading 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. Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker. NRL Imagery“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 specially designed 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.