Halfback Sam Walker says his side is looking to make a run to the Premiership despite having to overcome recent injuries and needing to win a majority of their remaining matches to qualify for the finals.
Buoyed from their 54-28 victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday afternoon, the young playmaker says that the Roosters are looking forward to the challenge that the final seven weeks of the regular season entails.
Walker: "We're Not Here to Just Make the Finals"
Not happy just to qualify for the playoffs, Walker insisted the squad have their eyes firmly set on the 2022 Premiership trophy.
“We felt really comfortable in that first 20 minutes but then we let that lead slip late in that first half,” Walker said.
“To go into halftime and put on the performance that we did in that second half there definitely gave us a lot of confidence.
“We picked up a few injuries from that game and it was really unfortunate for a few of those boys there. We went through a lot of this last year so the boys will know what they need to do there.
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“We need to win pretty much all of our games going into the finals. I’m really looking forward to the challenge – that’s why you play – you want to have the pressure on you. That’s the way we go into every single game.
“I love that pressure that we’ll be facing needing to win most of our games going into the finals. It’ll give us a good confidence boost when we do make the finals.
“We’re not here to just make the finals – we want to win it. That’s the belief we have in this Club.”
After a stellar performance that featured two tries, two assists, three linebreaks and 194 metres, Walker's halves partner Joseph Manu announced himself as a strong candidate to retain the no.6 jersey.
With regular halfback Luke Keary set to make a return this week, Walker says that Head Coach Trent Robinson will have a good headache on his hands when he reads out the teamlist on Tuesday.
Walker Spins and Scores
“He’s a freak,” Walker said of Manu.
“You put him in any position – you can put him in the front row and he’d kill it. He’s just a natural footballer and he’s a beast to watch.
“I think he (Keary) trained all week last week so he’s hopefully looking good to be in this week. He’s an unbelievable footballer and he’s won multiple Premierships.
"The leadership he’ll bring coming back into our team will be huge for us and we’ll definitely need it at the back end of this year.
“Whatever happens I know we’ll be right. It’s definitely a great position for Robbo and the Roosters to be in at the moment.”
Season 2022 has no doubt been one of growth for the young halfback, who was rewarded for his strong form at Club level to be a part of Queensland's Origin-winning squad last week.
In their upcoming match against the Newcastle Knights, the Roosters will face Walker's Maroons teammate Kalyn Ponga, who was a catalyst for Queensland's emphatic victory.
We’re not here to just make the finals – we want to win it. That’s the belief we have in this Club.
Sam Walker Roosters Halfback
The 20-year-old says that the matchup between Captain James Tedesco and Ponga will certainly be one to watch for Roosters Members and supporters alike.
“The way they (Queensland) prepare for the game, it was impressive,” he said.
“The belief that they had; you could see it throughout the week how confident they were in their style of play, they trained like that and performed on Wednesday night.
“The preparation they had going into the game and going amongst the team. Ponga was unbelievable on Wednesday night for Queensland but Teddy’s been doing that for a number of years now.
“Teddy will be looking forward to the challenge this week and he’ll have to do a job against a really in-form fullback at the moment.
"We’ll have a game plan and we’ll definitely all need to be on our toes. I know the boys will be up for it.
“It’s a challenge the Club is looking forward to.”
