Team lists are in for the third week of the Rugby League World Cup, with Sam Walker a notable omission from Australia’s side that has been named to play the Cook Islands.

The Sydney Roosters have already been linked with two superstar halves after sensationally withdrawing their contract offer for Sam Walker beyond 2027, with claims the World Cup halfback could be allowed to walk immediately.

Sam Walker’s contract situation is the talk of the town in rugby league, but things will get even spicier in Kangaroos camp on November 1 with so many stars set to become free agents.

The Sydney Roosters have already been linked with two superstar halves after sensationally withdrawing their contract offer for Sam Walker beyond 2027, with claims the World Cup halfback could be allowed to walk immediately.

Premiership-winning halfback Craig Gower says he was stunned when he heard Sam Walker couldn’t get a deal done with the Roosters and is worried that the young half is prioritising money over trophies.

Sam Walker and the Roosters caught the NRL world off-guard on Monday night when the club confirmed it had withdrawn its offer to the star halfback ahead of the November 1 deadline.

The Sydney Roosters have already been linked with two superstar halves after sensationally withdrawing their contract offer for Sam Walker beyond 2027, with claims the World Cup halfback could be allowed to walk immediately.

The NRL world was thrown into chaos on Monday evening when the Sydney Roosters confirmed they had withdrawn their contract extension to star halfback Sam Walker .