Rugby Australia (RA) has expressed openness to discussions about a potential code switch involving NRL star Sam Walker ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, signaling interest in recruiting the recently crowned Sydney Roosters halfback. Following the Roosters’ withdrawal of a multimillion-dollar contract extension offer and the indication that Walker could leave the club immediately, several NRL teams are reportedly pursuing the 24-year-old player.
Walker, who has a background in rugby union and played for the Queensland Reds under-16s, may find the prospect of competing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup—set to be held on home soil—a compelling reason to transition to rugby union. Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh acknowledged the organization’s willingness to welcome athletes from different codes, highlighting the strategic value of attracting high-caliber talent.
“Creating an environment where we want players, as many great players as we can, coming into rugby is part of our long-term vision,” Waugh said. While RA is unlikely to match the NRL’s reported $1.5 million annual offers, the option of a short-term switch followed by a tax-free contract with the PNG Chiefs in 2028 could offset potential financial drawbacks.
Waugh referenced former NRL player Zac Lomax, who earlier this year accepted a $350,000 deal with Rugby Australia after a proposed contract with the breakaway R360 rugby competition fell through. Lomax has since secured a three-year deal with the PNG team, compensating for his initial pay reduction in union. Both Lomax and Walker are managed by Clinton Schifcofske, a former dual-code professional turned player agent.
Walker’s versatility and skill set position him as a potential candidate to fill a longstanding gap in Australian rugby union: the playmaking No. 10 role. Australian coaches have struggled over the past decade to identify a consistent starter at fly-half, with multiple contenders—including Carter Gordon, Ben Donaldson, and Noah Lolesio—currently in contention. Walker’s proven ability as a halfback in rugby league could translate into immediate competitiveness in this key position.
The prospect of union roster additions from league stars is further underscored by the precedent of other 2026 Roosters premiership winners, such as Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who have signed with rugby clubs to secure their eligibility for the Rugby World Cup.
Meanwhile, RA is engaged in ongoing negotiations with the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) over player remuneration and revenue sharing related to hosting the 2027 World Cup. RUPA’s demands include increased salaries and a share of RA’s $100 million hosting fee. Though RA has revised upward its revenue-sharing offer, it has yet to meet RUPA’s expectations. Should an agreement not be reached by the union’s Saturday deadline, players have threatened to boycott sponsor events and replace training jerseys with protest T-shirts during the end-of-year tour.
Waugh expressed cautious optimism regarding the negotiations, emphasizing a commitment to fairness and constructive dialogue. “We’re working constructively with RUPA and working through an outcome,” he stated.