The form of Sam Walker has catapulted the Sydney Roosters into the premiership race, with Billy Slater admitting the side are "starting to make some noise" in recent weeks.
The young gun has been electric for the Chooks over the past fortnight, inspiring them to massive victories against the Dragons and Broncos, cementing himself as the club's long-term halfback.
Walker starred on Anzac Day, laying on two try assists and kicking 10 goals from 10 attempts, before backing it up with a steady display in round nine.
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Even more impressive for the Tricolours is the fact they have been without Victor Radley for the past two matches, while off-season recruit Spencer Leniu hasn't played in two months due to suspension.
Speaking on Nine's The Billy Slater Podcast this week, the Storm legend gave a bullish response when quizzed on whether the Roosters are surging into premiership favouritism with Walker at the helm and Leniu on the comeback trail.
"There's no time like the present," Slater said.
"They are starting to make some noise, they are playing some good footy.
"Their fullback and captain [James Tedesco] is in absolutely everything, Lindsay Collins as well … they've got a really well-balanced footy team.
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"The other guy that has come back into the side and made a big difference is Sam Walker. He's really creative, he looks really confident with his footy and he is getting his defence right. He's putting his body on the line, he looks a lot stronger in contact.
"Luke Keary retiring at the end of the year could also be the motivation and the spark that the Roosters need this year."
The impending retirement of Keary, who led the side to grand final triumphs in 2018 and 2019, as well as veteran front-rower Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and star centre Joey Manu, means the side's premiership window could close at the end of the year.
Trent Robinson's team are yet to field a full-strength outfit at all this season and if they can have everyone available at the same time, the Bondi-based club will be a tough task for opposition clubs in September.
The in-form Roosters will host the Warriors on Sunday, before taking on ladder-leaders Cronulla in Magic Round.
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