Sam Walker's reported contract impasse centred on an extra $100,000, after his management sought a slight increase to the Roosters' $1.2 million-per-season offer, according to the latest reports.
Indications were that negotiations broke down over the request.
At Magic Round, near the regular season's midpoint, the Roosters looked like genuine premiership contenders.
Walker was among the competition's best players, yet appeared likely to miss out on State of Origin selection.
The day before Billy Slater named Queensland's team for the series opener, Michael Ennis woke to back-page reports that Kalyn Ponga would play halfback.
Ennis recalled the debate to Fox Sports: "I remember saying what do we need to see from Sam Walker that's going to convince us that he's ready to play Origin?"
He added: "Because he's not going to change his style of play. Sam is who he is."
By 24, Walker had shown he could take a team to a premiership and had represented both his state and his country.