Sam Walker's value rose sharply in 2026 after his Queensland State of Origin debut, a premiership with the Roosters and selection for Australia's World Cup squad.
He made his Kangaroos debut against Fiji on Sunday, then faced uncertainty over his club future.
On Monday night, the Roosters announced they had failed to agree with Walker's management on an extension beyond 2027 and withdrew their offer.
The club had reportedly raised its proposal to nearly $6 million over four seasons, but negotiations continued for months and tested chairman Nick Politis's patience.
Up to seven clubs are reportedly interested in the 24-year-old, who can negotiate from Saturday. The Roosters could release him next season, meaning he may have played his final game for them.
Teammate Salesi Foketi called the prospect sad after Tonga World Cup training in Sydney.
"The club's very good and Sammy's very good," Foketi said.
"Everyone's irreplaceable. Everyone plays the game in their own way, everyone's unique in that way."
Walker has told AAP several times in the past month that he wants to stay beyond 2027. Before his Australia debut, he said: "My preference is obviously to stay at the Roosters."
The club is also set to lose several grand final players, including Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton to rugby union, and Daly Cherry Evans to the English Super League.
Walker and Penrith's Nathan Cleary, who has not officially re-signed, could both attract strong bids.