Trent Robinson would have liked to sign him for the next decade, but for now two years will do for NRL's superstar teenager Sam Walker.
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The 18-year-old halfback has agreed to terms with the Sydney Roosters after a stunning six games of first grade, keeping him at the club for another two seasons.
It brings together two of the hottest young talents in the NRL in Walker and Joseph Suaalii,17, at the Roosters for at least the next few seasons.
On Thursday Robinson said the length of the deal was crucial to get right for Walker considering his rising star power, the club's desire to keep him as well as making sure the teen stays motivated.
"I said 10 (years)," Robinson joked.
"We did (talk longer) but being really honest about landing on that number is hard.
"Keep the fire burning, keep the two years.
"We know he's been a Roosters supporter as a kid and wants to be here.
"We've got to offer that opportunity to offer that style of footy whilst loving his teammates around him.
"All of that's good but keep the fire, keep the hunger with two years to strive on the field.
"That stuff will look after itself again.
"I think it's ended up in a good spot for what an 18-year-old kid plays for."
The deal is yet to be rubber-stamped by the NRL, but it will come as a blow for rival clubs eyeing his potential after his first six NRL games.
In that time he's exceeded even Robinson's expectations as a replacement for Luke Keary with three tries, 10 try-assists and eight line-break assists.
The two-year agreement will see the young Queenslander link up with NSW Blues counterpart Keary in the halves for the Roosters next season.
"It's nice knowing that you look at a player, see what you want in a player and then he delivers on that and more," Robinson said.
"It's obviously been quite quick, the negotiations, but trying to work out the value of an 18-year-old halfback is, and that's taken a couple of weeks.
"It's been very clear from (his parents) Ben, Kylie, Sam and their management that this was the place for him a couple of years ago and this is the place for him the next couple of years.
"It's been great to get it done and keep Sam rolling on."
Australian Associated Press
