The Roosters coach isn’t too happy about the speculation.
Trent Robinson has blasted reports surrounding Mitchell Moses having rejected the Eels halfback is joining the club having confirmed his interest in re-signing Sam Walker. Moses has been linked with a move to the Roosters in recent weeks, despite having a long-term contract with the Eels.
The Blues halfback is signed with Parramatta until the end of 2026. He also has a clause that could see him stay for another two NRL seasons. However, reports have suggested the club could be lurking after his performances in State of Origin this year considering Walker’s deal at the Roosters ends in 2026.
The Roosters should have plenty of money in the salary cap with a number of big names leaving at the end of 2024. Luke Keary is one star leaving at the end of the season, which will see his halves partnership with Walker come to an end. Walker has enjoyed a stellar season as the No.7 and is still learning his trade at the Roosters. He is also at the centre of negotiations with his contract ending in 2026.
This has seen intense reports suggest the Roosters might turn to Moses as the long-term replacement for Walker if a deal isn’t made. However, Robinson has emphatically shut down any chance of the Eels halfback making a switch and said the speculation has been drummed up in the media. He also claimed it was tough on halfback Walker with the club looking to re-sign the talented youngster.
“He’s (Moses) an outstanding player and we tried to sign him a few years ago, but there hasn’t been one conversation about that,” the three-time premiership-winning coach said,” Robinson said on Thursday. “That’s the madness of our reporting and trying to create some news because there hasn’t been one discussion about that.
“It’s a little bit frustrating because it creates noise in the middle of trying to re-sign Sam and then someone brings up something about someone you’ve never spoken about. It creates noise for three or four days, and we’re still talking about it now. That’s our world.”
Trent Robinson praises Sam Walker’s NRL growth
While Moses is clearly one of the best halfbacks in the NRL, the Roosters have been thriving in 2024 with Walker enjoying arguably his best year wearing the No.7 jersey. The 22-year-old is growing as a player on the field, but his contract ends at the end of 2025.
And Robinson has doubled down on the want to re-sign Walker on a longer deal. “It’s the best space I’ve seen him in his career with us,” Robinson said ahead of the clash against the Eels this weekend.
“He’s really clear on his game, he’s really clear on the team’s game, so I’m really proud of where he’s got to and where he’s working towards.” The Roosters face the struggling Eels this week as they look to cement their position in the top four come finals time.
A win would see the Roosters move to 34 points with three games to go. The Sharks and Bulldogs are also vying for a top four finish. In good news for the Roosters, rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase will make his debut in reserve grade against the Bulldogs at Wentworth Park.
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