Roosters Call on Walker After Surgery

Roosters coach Trent Robinson

Sam Walker will return for the Sydney Roosters against the Dolphins in the preliminary final, with goal-kicking duties also restored to the playmaker.

Coach Trent Robinson said Walker had targeted a finals return only days after ankle surgery, astonishing the club with his recovery.

"He's 100 per cent," Robinson said on Wednesday.

Walker is expected to play the full 80 minutes, replacing Hugo Savala as kicker after Savala filled in at five-eighth for three weeks.

"He's done more than enough," Robinson said, citing Walker's movement, preparation and belief that he could handle finals football.

Savala has been named on the six-man bench, but Robinson said the 24-year-old would still contribute after earning continued selection.

"Hugo is so important to the team and the way that he approaches the game and plays the game and he'll have his part to play," Robinson said.

Robinson rejected suggestions Savala could move into the centres, insisting Billy Smith remained the designated left centre.

"Billy's the left centre. He always has been," he said.

Concerns over James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans were also played down after both missed Monday's training session through illness.

"A little bit crook, but that's cool. That's the life of an athlete," Robinson said.

He added that both players were expected to complete substantial training before the match.

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