The Roosters’ new-look spine was missing a crucial member, Cowboys and NSW hooker Reece Robson. But even without their injured No.9, and after just a handful of touches, the new halves combination showed enough to put the rest of the competition on notice.
“It was a little bit touch and go for the first 20 [minutes], but I feel now we’ve got our flow going and are very comfortable with each other,” Walker told Fox League as he came off the field for the half-time break. “He’s been awesome.”
Sam Walker starred in the first half against Parramatta.Credit: Getty Images
The same can be said of Walker himself. Starved of football last year – knee and thumb injuries restricted the former Australian Schoolboy to just nine appearances – this was perhaps the best performance of the pre-season. Which is why the Roosters didn’t want it to end.
Long after the majority of top-liners were subbed off and put into cotton wool for the more meaningful games ahead, Walker remained on the field. So too did Parramatta forward Jack Williams, despite a coat-hanger tackle on Tommy Talau that will be scrutinised by the match review committee.
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And yet for all of Walker’s heroics, it wasn’t enough to get the job done.
The Eels got a glimpse at the future of their halves, both short and long term. Pezet was solid in his second barrier trial in the blue and gold, while a potential successor – Lorenzo Talataina – produced a try assist that helped to seal the game, 28-22.
Parramatta’s second trial win – and the accumulation of several bonus points along the way – could result in them being crowned the pre-season champions.
