Roosters halfback Sam Walker is addressing speculation that questions about his defensive performance could cost him selection for Queensland in State of Origin. Multiple outlets report that Walker rejects the idea that his defence is a reason he would be overlooked, and he frames the criticism as something he is looking to move past as Origin selection discussions continue. The reports indicate the focus is on whether Walker’s role and defensive contributions would be viewed as sufficient for representative selection, given the high standards typically expected at Origin level.
Across the three sources, the core point is that Walker actively responds to concerns circulating about his defence and State of Origin prospects. While the articles describe the speculation itself, they do not present a definitive selection decision, instead emphasizing Walker’s position that defensive concerns should not be treated as disqualifying. The discussion is presented as part of the build-up to Origin, with attention on how selectors evaluate both attacking impact and defensive responsibility.
