Rookie Roosters halfback Sam Walker says fellow teenage prodigy Joseph Suaalii is ready to join him in the top grade.
Walker, 18, won his maiden Telstra Premiership match against the Warriors on Sunday night, setting up a classy try in a display that showed maturity beyond his years.
Suaalii, the precocious 17-year-old outside back who has been granted an exemption to play in the NRL before his 18th birthday, warmed up with the team at the SCG to get a feel for the big time.
The talented youngsters began the season together for North Sydney in the NSW Cup but could soon combine for the Roosters.
"[Suaalii] is definitely ready as well. He's doing really well at training at the moment," Walker said after a 32-12 victory. "I think if he keeps putting his foot down, he'll keep knocking on the door."
Walker was remarkably calm when he assumed the No.7 jersey vacated by Luke Keary, who tore his ACL in round three.
Walker reflects on debut
Coach Trent Robinson lauded the gifted playmaker for refraining from overplaying his hand. His 78-kilogram frame also handled the increased physicality as he made 17 tackles and missed just two.
"Robbo is obviously an amazing coach and he really guided me and mentored me through what I needed to do this week," Walker said.
"He gave me a lot of pointers and just simplified my game for me to be able to just go out there and he said all I had to do was execute ... I don't worry about [pressure] too much.
Match Highlights: Roosters v Warriors
"I have my old man [Ben Walker] and my uncles [Shane and Chris] there who have really helped me and guided me. They obviously went through it when they were coming through the NRL.
"Robbo and Coops [Cooper Cronk] are there and Kez [Keary] has been huge for me, especially throughout this week, just helping me and transitioning me into the [NRL] halfback role.
"[At the Roosters] you train every day against probably the best forward pack in the NRL. To train against those boys, it prepared me and put me in great stead for the game."
The Ipswich boy had a "massive crew" of loved ones who travelled from Queensland to watch him face the Warriors.
"All my family, both sides, and a fair few of my mates came down. It was amazing to see the support I got," he said.
"Once I got named [in the team], everyone booked their flights and made sure they were down here."
Walker shows his skill set to send Butcher over
Off-contract at season's end, Walker has previously said he'll stay with the Roosters and reiterated that on Sunday.
"This is my home," he said, having signed a deal with the Tricolours midway through 2019 as a 16-year-old.
"I love the club and I love the people at this club. What they've done for me just in this short time at the club has been amazing.
"I wouldn't want to leave."
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