Overview
- Coaches and captain said on Tuesday that Walker has resumed running after ankle surgery but is unlikely to be rushed into this weekend’s sudden-death semi-final while the club stops short of formally ruling him out.
- If Walker cannot play the Roosters plan to start Hugo Savala alongside Daly Cherry-Evans, a pairing that has coincided with a lower scoring output in recent games and would alter the team’s attacking shape.
- Savala started in Walker’s absence against Penrith and produced strong carries and kicking but also conceded a penalty for double movement and missed a goal attempt, showing both promise and risk.
- Daly Cherry-Evans conceded a seven-tackle set and missed a late field-goal chance in the qualifying final but was publicly defended by captain James Tedesco, who urged collective responsibility rather than blame.
- Back-rower Angus Crichton remains an uncertain selection after a late scratch, a factor that reduces bench depth and raises the stakes of the Roosters’ late team decisions for the match against Cronulla.