Cronk backs Sam Walker to reach next level for Roosters
February 15, 2022 — 3.13pm
Cooper Cronk believes Sam Walker has physically and mentally matured to the point he is ready to play every minute of every game after the Roosters eased him into his rookie year last season.
Walker was one of the finds of 2021, earning Dally M rookie-of-the-year honours after scoring eight tries and setting up 19. His elevation to first grade was accelerated when playmaker Luke Keary suffered a season-ending knee injury in round three, although coach Trent Robinson was mindful of playing the long game with his teen star.
Knowing the grind of week-to-week football had the potential to take its toll over a long campaign, Robinson opted to either bench or overlook Walker altogether for some games last season.
But with Keary set to return, Roosters consultant halves coach Cronk said Walker is ready to be called upon for every moment of the premiership campaign.
“Absolutely, look at what he did last year,” Cronk said at the Fox League season launch at CommBank Stadium on Tuesday.
“He had flat spots, but even 35-year-old players have flat spots throughout 25 rounds. That’s what the [sports] science is there to try to prevent and navigate through that. The kid can play, he’s super fit and he’s put on a bit of size. He’s ready to go.”
Walker showed he can handle big moments, as evidenced by the field goal he kicked to steer the Roosters past the Titans in the opening week of the finals.
“He’s obviously at the start of his career, but like a few of the other players he was exposed to certain circumstances early on that you can only dream of,” Cronk said.
“Going down to Melbourne and playing at AAMI Park, he’s done that. Playing Magic Round in front of 50,000 people, he’s done that. Playing finals, he’s done that.
“He was clutching on a couple of occasions, so the kid has got to pick up a couple of lessons along the way about physicality, control of the team and decision-making, particularly with the ball and kicking.
“He’s a tremendous kid, I love working with him and he’s had a pretty good summer.”
The Roosters were hindered by injuries and the retirements of stalwarts Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend and the Morris twins, Brett and Josh, last year. Cronk believes the return of Keary will make the tri-colours the team to beat.
“Luke Keary will obviously return from a knee [injury], but he was cherry ripe to dominate the competition before he went down,” he said.
“He’s very influential, a very good player and much respected around the team. I’ve never recovered from a knee injury, he will obviously have some scars and put in the work.
“If you get to the start line in round one and feel confident about the work you’ve done in terms of your recovery you should be able to continue on. Luke, with a little bit of luck, will be back to his best.”
Cronk predicted his two former teams will again contest on the NRL’s biggest day.
“Every year, it doesn’t matter what my position is, I still think the Roosters and Storm will play in the grand final,” Cronk said. “That’s the way I look at things.”