Sydney Roosters kick off crucial Sam Walker talks as Sitili Tupouniua exit escalates [Video]

The Roosters will begin lucrative long-term extension talks to keep rising half Sam Walker off the open market as Sitili Tupouniua is officially granted permission to make an early exit.

Walker has been in career-best touch throughout the Roosters rise into the top four, a year after being dropped and battling a persistent knee injury.

The 22-year-old has long been seen as the club’s long-term playmaker but is contracted until the end of 2025, putting him on the open market from November 1 this year.

Walker has consistently been linked with a return to his native Queensland, as the expected introduction of a Perth franchise in 2027 also puts his name up in lights as a potential marquee signing.

Walker has stressed repeatedly that his preference is to stay at the Roosters and guide the club’s next roster regeneration.

Formal negotiations between the club and his …