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Rugby Australia fail in attempt to lure 16-year-old prodigy from NRL
By Online Editors
The Sydney Roosters appear to have locked in Cooper Cronk's successor with the Tri-Colours set to unveil teen sensation Sam Walker.
Walker was the most sought after youngster in the NRL and was courted by several clubs and Rugby Australia but it's understood he has penned a two-year deal with the Roosters.
The 16-year-old was on a development deal with Brisbane however the Broncos let the talented playmaker slip through their fingers.
He has been touted as the most gifted player to emerge since Kalyn Ponga and will be eligible to play first-grade midway through next year.
He last week guided the Queensland under-18s to a win over NSW in a State of Origin curtain-raiser at Suncorp Stadium.
He recently met with Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Luke Keary, who he looks set to partner in the halves when Cronk retires at the end of 2019.
"It was really good to sit down and learn. Trent Robinson is the first head (NRL) coach to speak to me about the way I play and I picked up little tips," Walker told QRL.com earlier in the month.
"Trent is the best coach in the NRL at the moment and it is good to hear from the best. I’ve only ever had my dad and uncle (Shane) correct my game and encourage me how to play, so it was really good to hear his thoughts on how I can become a better player, because I am always learning at the moment.
"I am turning 17 very soon and I know I need to get better and improve."
AAP
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I guess the other option would be to start ALB, he's looked good in the 12 so far when he starts and sets up those outside him. But that would mean putting the vice captain on the bench, which is unlikely. Another option would be to drop Reiko to the bench and play Proctor, though he's gone home so that's not going to happen either.
Both of those players just offer more of the soft distribution skills good centres learn from playing their careers there. Unfortunately that's what's lacking with the current combo.
Go to commentsWhatever let's see if this load of waffle is still valid in 2 years time. ABs will rise we have a lot of new talent coming through. The NPC was the highest standard for years. The game is changing to suit the fast pace we like to play. We get to play the Springboks more, including the franchises, which will make us better! Overall I am optimistic. I will add having watched the England game multiple times we made most of the play. England are an awesome physical team, but you can expect the All Blacks to get better and better at executing the chances. It could easily have been 5 tries to one instead of 3 to 1.
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