LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Roosters fans are expressing concerns over Sam Walker's future with the team, particularly after news emerged that his father, Ben Walker, and uncle, Shane Walker, are vying for the Gold Coast Titans coaching position.
The Titans are currently facing a crisis following their latest loss to the Broncos, which has left them last on the ladder and eliminated from finals contention for the 2025 season.
Coach Des Hasler is under significant pressure and reportedly has a clause in his contract that allows the Titans to dismiss him if he fails to make the top-eight this season.
Despite this, Hasler has publicly expressed his desire to remain with the club and complete his contract, aiming to quash rumors about his retirement.
According to reports, the Titans have received many applications for the coaching role, leading to speculation that a new coach will take charge in 2026.
The Walker brothers, who previously coached Ipswich to their inaugural Queensland Cup premiership in 2015, are enthusiastic about the opportunity, claiming they could lead the Titans to success.
Ben Walker stated, "I am absolutely certain we would win a premiership at the Titans.
It's a job Shane and I have always wanted because there's a lot of similarities between the Titans and the Ipswich Jets, who had the lowest budget in the league when we won the Queensland Cup."
The Walkers took over a struggling Ipswich Jets squad in 2011 and successfully led them to five consecutive finals series, culminating in their championship win in 2015.
Their coaching style is noted for being attractive and enterprising, earning acclaim from rugby league legends like Andrew Johns.
Previously, the Walker brothers interviewed for the Titans head coach role in 2017, though Garth Brennan was ultimately chosen, and he lasted only 18 months, guiding the team to another wooden spoon.
Despite their success with Ipswich, the Walker brothers lack NRL head coaching experience as they parted ways with the club after 2019.
Since their departure, Ipswich has not qualified for the finals.
Such background raises questions about their suitability for the Titans position, especially considering the franchise's tumultuous coaching history and ongoing struggles for consistent success.