Sam Walker in hot water for Dragons incident, ‘high risk of injury’

Contributor
Peter Maniaty
Sam Walker in hot water for Dragons incident, ‘high risk of injury’ image

It was his first game of the NRL season, but Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker may be set for more time on the sidelines after being placed on report for a dangerous tackle on Dragons forward, David Klemmer.

With St. George Illawarra leading the Round 19 clash, 18-12, Klemmer was tackled by Angus Crichton and Spencer Leniu in the 25th minute—before Walker came in late as third man attacking Klemmer’s legs below the knee.

As Klemmer recoiled in pain, referee Grant Atkins had no hesitation in penalising Walker, who was also sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes.

“Third man in, it’s low, it’s avoidable, there is force and high risk of injury,” Atkins told Walker, who looked skyward in despair before dropping his head as he left the field at Jubilee Stadium.

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Klemmer, 31, also departed for treatment following the tackle but was able to return.

The match, which the Sydney Roosters went on to win 31-24, was Sam Walker’s first since fracturing his thumb in training last month as he prepared to make his return from a non-contact ACL tear suffered in Round 27 of the 2024.

No doubt the 22-year-old will have a nervous night as he awaits the decision of the NRL Match Review Committee.