‘Big ask’: Roosters leave the door open for Sam Walker to make stunning return for Sharks clash

James Tedesco says it would be a big ask to expect Sam Walker to play for the Roosters this weekend, but he didn’t officially rule the star halfback out of their game against Cronulla.

Teams will be released at 4pm, with all eyes on the Roosters and whether Walker is named just three weeks after he required surgery to repair an injured syndesmosis.

“If he can play, I’m sure he will, but it’s a big ask after three weeks,” Tedesco said.

Walker missed last week’s qualifying loss to the Panthers but has resumed running, with coach Trent Robinson replying “never say never” when asked about his halfback’s availability last week.

“It’s only been a couple of weeks, so he’s probably got another week or so, I’m guessing,” Tedesco said.

“But he started to do some running, which is really quickly after surgery, so just see how he goes, keep progressing, and give himself a chance.

“I think he wanted to be out there playing, and it’s probably hard to watch from the sidelines over the last month or so. But he’s doing everything he can to get back out there as quickly as possible, and that’s all we can ask.”

Walker’s absence opened the door for Hugo Savala to get a rare start in the halves, with the towering five-eighth running and kicking well against Penrith.

He did concede a costly penalty for double movement while Nathan Cleary was in the sin bin and missed a shot at goal, but his teammates were encouraged by what they saw.

“He’s done everything that we needed from him. He’s done his job and that’s all we can ask, and that’s why we love playing with him,” Tedesco said.

“He’ll do whatever it takes for the team. I really love him as a person and as a player, and he’s only going to keep getting better.

“I thought he was awesome. He’ll be disappointed with some moments that he didn’t nail, but overall, excited to get on the job this Saturday and play his part.”

The Roosters will need more from their halves on Saturday night – regardless of whether Walker plays or not – with veteran Daly Cherry-Evans missing a late field goal that would have tied things up.

“He accepted it, and as a team, you don’t dump that all on him,” Tedesco said, with Cherry-Evans one of the most reliable field goal kickers in NRL history.