This Thursday evening, the Sydney Roosters will celebrate the NRL Milestones of two of the game’s greatest young talents, Victor Radley and Sam Walker.
Both one-club players, Radley will don the Tricolours jersey for the 100th time this week, while 20-year-old Walker accrues his 50th game for the Club.
Victor Radley – The Journey to 100
Victor Radley is a local junior through and through, his journey started in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney where he played Mini League from the age of four.
The now 25-year-old knows no other colours but Red, White and Blue. His junior club, the Clovelly Crocodiles, also features the colours, as well as the prestigious Bondi Blue, on their uniform.
Kicking off his NRL career in July 2017, the forward was given the opportunity to replace Jake Friend at Hooker for his first game, after the Club legend was ruled out with a broken hand.
It was a day to remember for Radley, who fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for the Sydney Roosters in front of 100 loud-and-proud members of his family and friendship group.
Since debuting for the Club, he has won two NRL Premierships and two World Club Challenge tournaments, while also being selected for the NSW Blues squad and playing for England at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson has guided Radley on-field for the last six years, he has seen him grow as an individual and an athlete while developing his skills and leadership ability.
“He’s got this intensity about the way that he plays the game, he’s got a great knowledge of the game ... his footy knowledge is incredible, which he wouldn’t get credit for,” he said.
“He bleeds Red, White and Blue like he absolutely bleeds Red, White and Blue, both on the field but off the field too. Everything he does for the Roosters community, the love that he has for this area and this club is second to none.”
Robinson: 'He Bleeds Red, White and Blue'
On Thursday evening, Radley will become just the 77th man in Club history to have played 100 NRL Games, but with his contract recently extended until at least the end of 2027, it’s almost certain that he’ll accumulate 100 more in the next five years.
Sam Walker – The Journey to 50
Less than two years ago, Sam Walker pulled on the Tricolours jersey for the very first time, after receiving the call-up to fill the role of his current halves partner, Luke Keary, who suffered an ACL injury.
It was almost as if Walker was made for the moment, setting up Nat Butcher with a short ball and converting a try, the 18-year-old showed a maturity beyond his years in the Roosters 32-12 win over the New Zealand Warriors at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Since his debut on Easter Sunday, the now 20-year-old taken his game to new heights, while also establishing himself off the field, as a professional athlete and as a person.
He has claimed numerous awards, including the Dally M Rookie of the Year award, Harry Phipps Rising Star Award and Ashton-Collier Spirit of ANZAC Medal. Not to mention his selection in the Queensland Maroons extended squad and Prime Minister’s XIII more recently.
The Best of Sam Walker
But on a more personal level, the halfback feels that his 50-game milestone is just a small achievement in what will hopefully be, a long career.
“I’ve been here for a couple of years now and have racked up quite a few games, it’s come pretty quick,” he admitted. “The past two seasons have been really enjoyable for me; I’ve learnt so much and have loved every minute.”
“I guess for me it’s just another step in my journey. I’ll probably reflect on it a little bit more after the game, my focus for now is just getting the job done on Thursday night.”
Walker and Radley will share their milestone game on Thursday, a special feat for the young Ipswich junior, who has played almost every game of his career alongside the 25-year-old Lock.
“Rads has played a lot of games for the Roosters now, he has won a few comps too,” Walker said.
“To be able to celebrate our milestones in the same game is pretty special. He brings a lot to the team and we’re lucky to have him.”
A Rooster until the end of 2025, Walker is still eager to extend his knowledge of the game and strengthen his relationship in the halves with Keary.
“Right now, I’m still learning and every game I pick up a few new things but it’s really exciting for me to be able to put this jersey on every week. I think the team and the culture here at the moment is only getting stronger.”
