Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello has had enough.
In a passionate and wide-ranging interview on The League Table podcast, the club’s all-time leading try scorer and 2013 premiership-winning captain launched a fierce defence of under-fire halfback Sam Walker, labelling the growing wave of public criticism directed at the 23-year-old as “an absolute disgrace.”
“I’ve been around this game my whole life,” Minichiello said. “I’ve seen what it does to young players when they get piled on like this. What’s happening to Sam Walker right now is unfair, it’s uninformed, and frankly, it’s a disgrace. He’s one of the most talented halves I’ve ever seen come through this club — and I’ve seen a few.”
The Criticism That Sparked the Reaction
Walker has faced growing scrutiny in recent weeks following a mixed start to the 2026 season. Despite the Roosters winning three consecutive games from behind at half-time — including a stunning 38–24 comeback against the Knights in Round 7 — critics have pointed to Walker’s defensive frailties, his kicking game under pressure, and questions about his ability to control games from the front rather than respond to adversity.
Several prominent commentators have questioned whether Walker is capable of being the true on-field general the Roosters need if they are to push for the premiership, with one suggesting that veteran five-eighth Daly Cherry-Evans has effectively taken over the decision-making responsibilities that a halfback should own.
It was those comments, Minichiello said, that pushed him to speak out.
“I heard one bloke say Sam Walker can’t control a game,” he told host Brett Collins. “I nearly fell off my chair. Have you watched what this kid does in the second half of matches? He doesn’t just control the game — he completely reshapes it. That’s harder. Anyone can run a team when the momentum is with you. Walker does it when his back is against the wall.”
“He’s Carrying More Than People Realise”
Minichiello, who played 302 games for the Roosters between 2000 and 2014, was careful to acknowledge that Walker is not without areas to improve — but argued that context matters.
“People forget this kid missed the bulk of 2024 with an ACL tear and then broke his thumb in 2025 just as he was finding his feet again,” he said. “He’s basically had two interrupted seasons back to back. You want him to come out in 2026 and immediately play like he’s a ten-year veteran? Give him some grace.”
The former fullback also pushed back on suggestions that Walker is being overshadowed by Cherry-Evans.
“DCE is one of the greatest halfbacks this country has ever produced. Having him in the same team as Sam isn’t a criticism of Sam — it’s a gift. Sam is learning from a living legend every single week at training. That’s only going to make him better. The idea that it somehow undermines him is just lazy analysis.”
The Bigger Picture
For Minichiello, the concern goes beyond one player. He believes the culture of immediate, social media-driven criticism is taking a genuine toll on young athletes in the modern game.
“I played in an era where if you had a bad game, you copped it from the newspapers and maybe a few talkback callers,” he said. “Now these kids get torn apart on social media within minutes of the final whistle. Thousands of people who’ve never laced up a boot, telling a 23-year-old he’s not good enough. It’s relentless. And for someone like Sam, who cares deeply about his performance and his team, I know that stuff gets in.”
He stopped short of calling for any individual commentators to be held accountable, but made his position clear.
“All I’m saying is: watch the evidence. Seven rounds in, the Roosters are winning, Sam Walker is playing a significant role in that, and the bloke is only getting better. Back him or don’t — but at least be honest about what you’re watching.”
Walker’s Response
Walker, speaking briefly to media after Tuesday’s training session at Kippax Lake, said he was grateful for the support but preferred to let his football do the talking.
“Mini’s been an incredible mentor to me since I came into this club,” Walker said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for him. But honestly, I don’t spend too much time on the noise. I know where my game is at, the coaches know, and my teammates know. That’s what matters.”
When pressed on whether the criticism had affected him, Walker smiled.
“If anything, it motivates me. I’ve got a big game on Anzac Day. That’s where my head is.”
What the Numbers Say
Through seven rounds of the 2026 season, Walker has recorded 14 try assists, six try involvements, and an average of 92 kicking metres per game. The Roosters have won five of their seven matches, with their three second-half comeback victories the most of any team in the competition.
Whether those numbers are enough to silence the critics remains to be seen. But if Anthony Minichiello has anything to say about it, the debate will not go unanswered.
