Trent Robinson claims Sam Walker is built to be an NRL halfback but believes time in the No.6 jersey will give him the freedom to develop as a playmaker.
Thrown into the deep end last season in the midst of an injury crisis, Walker spent the majority of 2021 as the game's youngest halfback.
He is also seen as a long-term No.7, ready to be the controlling half with composure well above his years.
Already he has been badged as a future representative star, marking up against Queensland and Australia incumbent Daly Cherry-Evans against Manly on Friday night.
For this year though, Robinson is happy for him to wear No.6 and let a former five-eighth in Luke Keary be the chief controller.
"The No.7 holds the weight to it, it holds who is dominating the play and the responsibility of running the team," Robinson said.
"Luke is the senior player and one of the vice-captains and a leader in our team. He's going to dominate that.
"Sammy at some point in his career will see the No.7 again, we know he is built for that.
"But he is also going to be allowed the freedom to develop his own game first."
The Roosters' attack was below par in the first-up loss to Newcastle, with Keary himself admitting it was clunky as they completed at just 68 per cent.
That was also not helped by the early loss of Victor Radley, who plays as a crucial link man in the middle and will return against the Sea Eagles at the SCG.
But Robinson is confident neither Keary or Walker need to adjust their games individually as dominant and supporting halves while playing together.
"I don't think there is an adjustment in dominant playmaker," Robinson said.
"But just the feel of how to move together, the combinations of how to play together, I know this week will be better than last week.
"I know they will continue to improve that and we'll keep pushing it forward and it's going to be dynamic when they get in tune with each other."
"(We've got) a guy that knows how to play and knows how to win. And a guy that has at different ages won games for us."
"We're not looking to have a good year, we're looking to have a top-end year, and their development is key for us."
