AAP Rugby

Walker axed, Crichton returns in Roosters shake-up

By AAP Newswire

Apr 18, 2023

Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has axed halfback prodigy Sam Walker while backrower Angus Crichton is set to play his first NRL game since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

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Walker, 20, has been the Roosters' starting playmaker this season but after two consecutive losses finds himself in reserve grade.

The Roosters face St George Illawarra on Anzac Day and go into the game with a 3-3 season record.

Luke Keary has been shifted to halfback with Joey Manu moving to five-eighth and Paul Momirovski coming into the team for his first game of the season.

"You get to go down to reserve grade and play with less pressure," prop Matt Lodge said of Walker's demotion.

"Nobody can be in form for 15 years of your career."

Crichton, meanwhile, will play first grade for the first time since taking mental health leave earlier this season.

The forward lined up in NSW Cup last weekend, getting through 80 minutes at Henson Park in a heavy defeat to the Newtown Jets.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press