The Sydney Roosters will continue to build their future around Sam Walker after fending off rivals to re-sign the NRL best young halfback.

Previously linked with a return to Brisbane, Walker’s new two-year deal was announced just days after the player market opened on November 1. He will stay at the club until 2027.

The 22-year-old is expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 campaign due to the ACL injury he suffered on the penultimate day of the 2024 regular season.

But Walker is seen as vital to the Roosters maintaining their status as premiership heavyweights, a status that is set to be tested in 2025 following a significant squad change.

“I’m really happy to continue with the Roosters. This club feels like home and I’m grateful for the support of ‘Robbo’ (coach Trent Robinson), my teammates and all the staff,” Walker said.

“I look forward to returning to training later this month so I can continue to work hard on my rehabilitation and play my role within the team.”

Veteran rookie Chad Townsend is on track to start the season at halfback alongside Sandon Smith to cover Walker.

Walker has played 77 games for the Roosters since making his NRL debut in 2021, winning the Dally M Rookie of the Year award that season.

He became particularly highly regarded for his short kicking game and was earmarked as a future Queensland State of Origin player after being included in camps in recent seasons.

News of Walker’s re-signing comes days after the Roosters made a surprise appeal to grant another of their star players, prop Terrell May, permission to negotiate with rival clubs.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Luke Keary are among the key Roosters to have already left the club following the preliminary final defeat to Melbourne.

Captain James Tedesco tops the list of Roosters players out of contract after 2025, with Brandon Smith and Egan Butcher also entering the final year of their contracts.