EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns Sounds Alarm for Roosters on Risky Gamble with Sam Walker’s Injury

Andrew Johns has cautioned the Roosters to prioritise caution regarding Sam Walker’s recovery from injury.

After suffering an ACL tear during the club’s round 26 defeat to the Raiders last season, the Roosters’ primary half-back is anticipated to spend a significant portion of this season on the sidelines.

Johns advised that the Roosters should refrain from taking risks upon Walker’s return, suggesting they allow him to sit out the remainder of the year if their finals hopes diminish.

“If he’s back in rounds 18 or 20 and the Roosters have no chance of making the finals… you wouldn’t want to take that risk, would you?” he stated on Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth.

“He’s too significant of an investment. There aren’t many half-backs available, and heaven forbid he plays just one match and injures his knee again.”

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Johns is all too familiar with the challenges presented by ACL injuries. The Knights icon tore his ACL in 2004, which sidelined him for 10 months.

Upon his return, he mentioned that things still “didn’t feel right” for another two months, extending his recovery to a full year.

He shared that Walker had undergone a patella graft, a procedure that offers a sturdier repair but may lead to extended recovery times.

Recognising the club’s commitment to the 22-year-old and his future, Johns believes that the Roosters would be wise to allow Walker the necessary time to heal fully.

“If there are only six weeks left in the season and the finals are out of reach, why take a risk? Why gamble?,” he questioned.

“If he doesn’t play, another six months off means he’s better prepared for his next stint. You have to weigh the risk against the reward.”

Brad Fittler echoed the sentiment, emphasising the importance of having a stable halves pairing for success.

“You’ve seen how critical halves are; the top teams have halves who are consistent and play every week,” he noted.

“Walker hasn’t had the opportunity to establish that consistency due to previous injuries. Given his physique, he could genuinely benefit from extra development and strength training.”