Roosters captain James Tedesco has revealed Sam Walker is on track to push the club towards finals as he continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
Walker suffered the injury against the Raiders in round 26 last year ruling him out for the remainder of last season and at least half of this current one.
Chad Townsend has replaced him at halfback with Sandon Smith partnering him in the halves. The latter was impressive during the Roosters' shock win against the Panthers, finishing with a try assist, two line break assists and scoring a try.
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Smith could have his first-choice halfback returning by the time Origin begins, according to Tedesco.
The Roosters are likely to be missing Angus Crichton and Connor Watson during that period due to Blues duties.
"Middle of the year I think, round 12 or 13," Tedesco said of Walker's return on Nine's 100% Footy.
"He's at training doing most of the session, obviously not the contact stuff fully yet but he's out there throwing cut-out passes, tearing us apart so he's looking good."
When Walker does return, he will have an exciting prospect in Mark Nawaqanitawase at his disposal.
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The rugby union convert scored first for the Roosters against the Panthers and has impressed in his short league career.
Tedesco described his teammate as "one of our best".
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"He's a big body, he's strong, fast and got good footwork but he's really skilful. That was probably one thing I was really surprised by when he came over, just his ability with quick hands, his ability to know when to pass and when to run, that's been a real asset for us," he said.
"He's still learning how to play NRL, learning how to play left centre, it's not easy coming in and learning defensively how to play centre but I think he asks a lot of questions, he's really good to have around the boys and he learns really quickly so he's doing a good job."
