The Roosters’ premiership hopes will hinge on Sam Walker’s ankle after the superstar halfback limped off in the second half of their game against the Dolphins.
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Walker had to be helped from the field by trainers after his left foot was trapped awkwardly in a tackle by Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki in the 26-12 loss at Allianz Stadium.
The incident wasn’t penalised for a hip-drop tackle but could be one of the biggest moments of the season if the crafty halfback has done serious damage.
The Maroons rookie will require scans which will determine how long he’s sidelined, with the Roosters praying that the damage isn’t significant given the finals start in two weeks.
It is understood to be a syndesmosis injury for Walker. It’s a cruel blow for the playmaker who will attract monster offers if he hits the market on November 1.
The Roosters desperately need him on the field, with their top-four hopes now in jeopardy after losing back-to-back games at home.
Hugo Savala replaced him in the halves and will partner veteran Daly Cherry-Evans in the finals if Walker is ruled out long term.
The Roosters will be hoping that try-scoring machine Daniel Tupou returns from a shoulder injury before the finals which would allow Billy Smith to move to left centre to replace Savala.
There could be more concerns with NSW hooker Reece Robson coming off in the final minute.
The Dolphins have all but secured a maiden top-four finish, but they could head into the finals without a couple of key forwards.
Kurt Donoghoe has been enormous for them off the bench this season but he faces a very nervous wait for the charges to drop after he collected James Tedesco in the head with his shoulder.
The incident somehow didn’t lead to a sin bin, with teammates Tom Flegler and Morgan Knowles both given their marching orders in a hectic seven-minute stretch late in the game.
Knowles was sent to the bin for an ugly tackle on Robert Toia, while Flegler was punished for repeated infringements, with the Queensland forward also on report for a crusher tackle.
The Roosters were just about premiership favourites when they knocked off Penrith a few weeks ago, but there’s an outside chance that they miss the top four.
