Yorkshire-born Sam Walker set for huge State of Origin future: son of ex-Leeds Rhinos star made 'great debut'
Leeds-born Sam Walker has been tipped for a huge future on one of rugby league’s biggest stages.
The half-back made his Queensland debut in the opening game of the three-match series against New South Wales and, despite a last-gasp 22-20 defeat, earned high praise from Australia Test legends Allan Langer and Billy Slater.
Walker was born during his father Ben Walker’s time as a player with Leeds Rhinos, in 2002. The Australian stand-off was signed from Northern Eagles and scored 286 points, from 119 goals, 12 tries and a drop goals, during his only campaign at Leeds.
Sam Walker made his NRL debut for Sydney Roosters in 2021 and was called into the Queensland squad for the first time this year. The 24-year-old set up the Maroons’ first two tries and kicked three conversions and a penalty as they raced into a 20-0 lead before New South Wales staged a stunning fightback to snatch victory in the final seconds.
Langer, a former half-back who represented Queensland in 34 Origins from 1987 to 2002, hailed his “great debut”. He told the NRL.com website: “He has just shown he’s up to Origin level, which is good. He has got a great short kicking game and I know he works hard on his long kicking game as well. He’s only at the start of his career, so he has a big future ahead of him.”
Langer, a former Brisbane Broncos teammate of Ben Walker, added: “I love him. I played with his dad and his uncles and they are a great family. It’s great to see him do so well.
“He has a good level head on his shoulders and that’s the way he plays. He does it every weekend in the NRL, so when you get to this level you improve, certainly with the players around him and it just gives him more confidence.”
Queensland coach Slater was equally impressed. He said: “I thought he was great. He’s a clever little player, he’s tough. He dives into the team things and then he brings his game and unlocks players. I’m looking forward to him getting some more opportunities and playing some more footy at this level.”
For Walker, the result - which came after Queensland had Kalyn Ponga sent-off in the 57th minute when they led 20-6 - overshadowed his own performance. “It’s obviously disappointing,” he reflected. “It’s just footy - I’ve done it a thousand times and I love what I do. It’s a pretty big occasion and I loved every minute of it. It has been an awesome week. It’s unfortunate we couldn’t finish it off.”