TROUBLE BREWING: Sam Walker Faces Suspension After ‘Very Dangerous’ Hit on Klemmer as Storm Smash Knights in Thrilling Clash
Sydney Roosters star Sam Walker’s long-awaited return to the NRL has taken a dark and possibly costly turn, after he was sin-binned for a controversial tackle on Wests Tigers enforcer David Klemmer — and now faces the prospect of suspension just one game into his comeback.
Walker, 22, was playing his first match since Round 26 of the 2024 season, a near 10-month layoff due to injury. But the highly anticipated comeback quickly turned chaotic when the young playmaker was marched to the bin for a high and dangerous shot that sent shockwaves through the rugby league community.
Referees and match officials didn’t hesitate in deeming the contact “very dangerous,” placing Walker on report while Klemmer required treatment. The judiciary is now reviewing the footage, and early indications suggest a ban is imminent, which could force Walker off the field once again just as he appeared to be regaining form.
🔥 The Tackle That Shocked Everyone
Midway through the first half, with the Roosters attempting to halt a surging Tigers attack, Walker launched himself at Klemmer, clipping the prop around the jawline with a shoulder-first hit. The tackle drew immediate reactions from teammates and opponents, with tempers flaring and the referee stepping in swiftly to defuse the situation.
The replay told an even more damning story. As Klemmer reeled on the ground, trainers ran in while the Bunker reviewed the incident. Moments later, Walker was marched for 10 minutes — a decision that sparked fierce debate across commentary panels and social media.
Rugby league legend Corey Parker labelled the hit “reckless and avoidable,” while analyst Greg Alexander went further, calling it “a brain snap Walker may regret for weeks.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson admitted post-match that the incident could spell bad news for Walker.
> “We waited a long time to have Sam back,” Robinson said. “He’s a competitor, but that’s not the moment we wanted. The contact was too high. We’ll support him, but the match review committee will do what they have to do.”
🩹 Klemmer Recovers — But Walker’s Future Uncertain
Klemmer was able to return to the field later in the match, much to the relief of Tigers fans and the NRL at large, but the concern now lies with Walker and how many matches he may miss. If charged with a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact, the suspension could range from two to four games, potentially derailing both his comeback and the Roosters’ run to the finals.
With the Roosters already without Joseph Manu and James Tedesco through injury, Walker’s absence could not come at a worse time. Robinson will likely turn to youngster Sandon Smith or move Luke Keary to halfback if the judiciary’s hammer falls this week.
⚡ In Other NRL Action: Storm Outclass Knights in Gritty Victory
While Walker’s situation stirred headlines, Melbourne Storm’s 32–14 demolition of the Newcastle Knights provided a showcase of brilliance, physicality, and late-season momentum from one of the competition’s genuine contenders.
The Storm, without superstars Cameron Munster (rested) and Ryan Papenhuyzen (calf), traveled to Newcastle knowing a win would keep them hot on the heels of ladder-leaders Canberra Raiders. And although the first half was unconvincing, the second 40 was all Storm — led by their champion halfback Jahrome Hughes.
🎯 Hughes Steals the Show
Jahrome Hughes, who had yet to rediscover the blazing form that won him the Dally M Medal in 2024, silenced critics with a masterclass in game management and creativity.
After a sluggish first half, the Kiwi maestro exploded in the second, tallying four try-assists, launching a brilliant 40/20 kick, and orchestrating attacking sets with surgical precision.
> “He didn’t have the best start, but he took over in the second-half,” head coach Craig Bellamy said. “That’s the sign of a champion.”
Bellamy, never one for unnecessary praise, seemed genuinely impressed with Hughes’ resurgence — a good omen for Storm fans as finals approach.
🛡️ Knights Brave Without Ponga… But Outgunned
Without captain Kalyn Ponga and backup Fletcher Sharpe — both out for the season — Newcastle threw a curveball by shifting veteran Dane Gagai to fullback. The 34-year-old, in his 305th NRL appearance, answered the call.
Gagai was immense, chalking up over 250 running metres, assisting in both of Dominic Young’s tries, and offering leadership in a spine missing its two best players. However, Gagai also dropped a high ball under pressure, one of the few blemishes in a tireless display.
Coach Adam O’Brien praised the veteran’s performance, calling him “brave and reliable,” while hinting the fullback experiment might continue given the injury toll.
> “He brought us energy and fought for everything,” O’Brien said. “It’s not easy filling in back there, but he gave us what he could.”
Still, the Knights were simply outclassed by a side that continues to reinvent itself — especially with the emergence of back-rower Eliesa Katoa.
🦸 Katoa: Melbourne’s Flying Weapon
Once again, Eli Katoa proved why he may just be the NRL’s most dangerous attacking second-rower.
The former Warrior scored two tries, including one from a high bomb and another through brute strength, added a 70-metre intercept, and contributed massive post-contact metres. His aerial prowess and athleticism are fast becoming key to Melbourne’s game plan.
> “He never ceases to amaze,” Bellamy said of his forward. “He finds new ways to score each week.”
📉 Newcastle’s Home Woes Continue
The loss marked Newcastle’s seventh home defeat of the 2025 season — a staggering stat for a team that was once considered among the fortress clubs in the NRL. While the Knights showed grit, errors, poor execution, and missed tackles haunted them once more.
A late try from rookie Fletcher Hunt offered a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly snuffed out as Katoa crashed over for his second to seal the result.
The Knights must now rebound quickly, with a clash against a weakened Warriors outfit looming as a must-win. The Storm, on the other hand, turn their attention to a blockbuster showdown with rivals Manly, where they’ll look to keep the pressure on Canberra.
🧨 What’s Next for Walker?
All eyes now turn to the Match Review Committee, who will likely hand down charges within 48 hours. If suspended, Walker’s comeback storyline may temporarily end in disappointment.
Fans, meanwhile, are divided — some believe the hit was clumsy rather than malicious, while others argue a harsh penalty is warranted given the league’s ongoing crackdown on head contact.
Regardless of the judiciary outcome, Sam Walker’s rollercoaster return is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in rugby league.
From redemption to repercussion — the game never sleeps.
