Legendary NRL fullback Billy Slater says it’s “refreshing” to watch Roosters teen star Sam Walker in action, declaring the playmaker is showing signs of Broncos great Allan Langer.
After the Roosters were blown off the park by Newcastle last week in a performance which former Tricolours coach Phil Gould described as a “reality check”, Trent Robinson’s men responded with a crushing defeat of fellow premiership contenders Manly.
Walker, who burst onto the scene last year due to an injury crisis with the Roosters’ halves, continued his stellar rise to life as an NRL playmaker.
READ MORE: ‘Frightening’ revelation after horror Tigers loss
READ MORE: ‘Nightmare’ strikes Verstappen’s F1 title defence
READ MORE: Final lap heartbreak for ‘gutted’ McLaughlin
In just his 23rd game again, the 19-year-old showed plenty of quality and finished the match with one line-break, one try assist and one forced drop-out.
“It’s refreshing to watch Sam Walker play,” Slater told Wide World of Sports’ Billy’s Breakdown.
“We’ve seen such a structured group of halves come through over the last decade to two decades.
“You’ve got young Sam Walker who grew up playing for the Ipswich Jets.
“There was another No.7 that came out of Ipswich by the name of Allan Langer and he was very similar. He played what he saw.”
Slater highlighted one moment in particular from Walker that reminded him of Langer.
Walker notched his try assist with a quick-thinking play when on the run, he opted against running the ball to instead put in a kick for Sitili Tupouniua.
“There was one play of the week in particular that really took my eye with Sam Walker,” Slater added.
“When he took the ball on the left-hand side of the field, you could see his mind ticking over as the situation changed in front of him – he changed what he was going to do.
“He was going to run, then he was going to pass, but then the play was on for the kick.
“I love watching Sam Walker play, it’s refreshing. He plays what he sees in front of him.
“He’s going to pick up all these traits of the structure around him. Let’s not forget, it’s only his second game playing alongside Luke Keary.
“The more football he plays alongside Luke Keary, the better the Roosters are going to be.”
Slater also spoke on the importance of Walker’s development coming with the Roosters, who many around the competition consider being one of the NRL’s most professional clubs.
“He’s in a mature environment. The Roosters are a very professional organisation,” Slater said.
“He’s got Cooper Cronk there as a mentor and I’m sure he’s teaching him the fundamentals of playing that position as well.
“Cooper was a very consistent halfback. I’m sure he’s picking up a lot of tips.”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!