Signings watch: The player that could be Ipswich's marquee player

After a stellar start for Queensland, Denan Kemp and Chad Townsend have discussed where Sam Walker could end up after his current contract with the Sydney Roosters.

Following Tom Dearden being ruled out of the series with a syndesmosis injury, the 24-year-old made his Origin debut for Queensland as the starting No. 7 in Game I.

And in his first two games, the Roosters' half has proven ready-made for the stage.

Walker earned the Man of the Match medal in Game II in front of a packed-out MCG, having yet to miss a conversion or penalty goal across both matches.

But with his contract concluding at the end of 2027, making him available to speak with rival clubs from November 1, there is plenty of speculation around his future following his form in Origin.

“I think the biggest worry for the Roosters right now is obviously winning a comp this year,” Kemp said on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“But No. 2 is what happens with Sam Walker?

“He goes to the open market (on) November 1, probably will demand a million bucks.

“If he wins a Wally Lewis medal, you're in a tough spot.”

While several clubs will throw their hat into the ring to try and pry him from the Tricolours, Kemp pondered whether the NRL's 20th side, should it be based in Ipswich – Walker’s hometown – would be able to bring him home as their marquee player.

“I mean there's a lot of Kiwis that don't want another Queensland side, but let's say that the third Brisbane side is (in) Ipswich,” he added.

“Could Sam Walker sign a year-long deal or not even a year if it gets rushed in, and could he be the face of the next Brisbane side?”

While he is yet to consider his future, Townsend did note that the Roosters will need to move fast.

“Obviously, Sammy's from Ipswich; he's got a lot of family there,” he said.

“There really is entrenched there in the community up there at Ipswich and Sam Walker, there's no doubt, when he's off contract, I think the Roosters will wanna move quickly to try and secure (him).

“I think Sam Walker is in a position now where he has leverage in the market.”

The Roosters take on the Sharks at Allianz Stadium from 6:15pm AEST on Sunday.

SEN League will have live coverage of the match from 6pm on our radio network and on the SEN app.