IF you want to sign Danny Walker, it’s going to cost you.

That was the message Sam Burgess sent out to NRL clubs chasing the Warrington Wolves hooker as rumours of interest start to grow.

Reports first surfaced Down Under that Warrington-born Walker was of interest to Australian clubs during the week, with Canberra Raiders said to be particularly keen.

Then, Rugby League Live reported that The Wire had turned down a six-figure bid for Walker’s services from Canberra, who have already tempted second-rower Matty Nicholson away from the club for 2025.

Warrington are reluctant to lose their number nine and they are in a strong negotiating position, with Walker still having two years left to run on his current contract.

Burgess admitted there was been contact between Walker and NRL clubs but also praised the England international for how he’s handled the situation.

“He’s a contracted player. I love Danny and I don’t want him to go anywhere,” he said.

“He’s been approached by clubs from Australia but it’s a situation we’ve got in hand at the moment.

“He’s handling it really well and you wouldn’t really know unless you actually knew.

“It’s a problem a lot of clubs will get with a lot of players from clubs in the NRL if they don’t stand up for something.

“He’s got a contract so if they want him, they’re going to have to make it worthwhile.”

The situation regarding John Bateman appears to be clearer-cut, with the second rower still set to return to Australia and see out his contract with Wests Tigers when his short-term deal with The Wire comes to an end.

The England forward’s impact has increased by the week and while admitting he would love to keep the Yorkshireman at the club longer-term, Burgess admits it is not currently a realistic prospect.

“He's got a contract and he’ll respect that,” he said.

“If something changes, we’d love to have an opportunity to keep him but from what we understand, he’ll be going back to Wests Tigers.”