Sam Walker on blossoming DCE combination, breaching Penrith's defence

Sydney Rooster halfback Sam Walker says his combination with veteran playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans is still developing but believes the pair are already starting to find their rhythm as they prepare for a major test against the Penrith Panthers.

Speaking on the The Big Sports Breakfast, Walker said the partnership was still in its early stages but the signs were encouraging.

“I’m really enjoying building this combination,” Walker said.

“I think we still both have got a lot of football left in us which is obviously the exciting part.

“It’s going to take a couple of weeks to both get very comfortable.”

Walker said the return of NSW hooker Reece Robson will also play a key role in helping the spine develop further after the trio spent significant time working together during the pre-season.

“Reece Robson comes back soon and we start building that combo with him that we worked a fair bit through the pre-season as well,” he said.

“We’re both trying to play our natural games at the moment, at the same time trying to get a feel for how the other person wants to play, and the role they want to play as well.

“It’s starting to slowly click here and it's exciting what we can do here.”

The Roosters will face one of the toughest defensive outfits in the competition this week, with Penrith conceding just six points across their opening two games of the season.

Walker said the Roosters were confident they could match the Panthers’ physical style.

“We pride ourselves on our defence as a team,” he said.

“We know it's going to be a tough battle against Penrith, but we’ve got the tools to stick it with them. Off the back of that we’ve got to take our opportunities when they present themselves. For the spine that’s definitely key for us.”

Much of the focus will fall on Penrith playmaker Nathan Cleary, whose kicking game has long been a major weapon for the premiers. Walker said controlling Cleary’s territorial advantage would be crucial.

“Watching his kicking game, it’s something that definitely controls the team,” Walker said.

“It’s quite impressive to watch how he can manipulate the back three and kick the ball into very good positions and allow his teams to hunt and defend off the back of that.

“We’ve got a big job managing that this coming week.”

Walker said the Panthers’ relentless style - keeping the ball in play and forcing teams into fatigue - was another area of focus.

“We definitely back ourselves in that battle as well,” he said.

“That’s what we pride ourselves on and we want to get ourselves into. I think there was times on the weekend we definitely got to improve our completions and everything.

“Off the back of that it’s about taking the opportunities when they present.”

He also acknowledged the pressure Penrith’s back-rowers place on opposition halves, saying timing would be key to creating space.

“Their back rowers are definitely pressuring you when they’re coming in,” Walker said.

“It’s just about tempo'ing [sic] your run and allowing them to take themselves out on you and allow a bit more space for your outside players there.”

Hero image - Source: Sydney Roosters Facebook.