As the NRL and NRLW seasons unfold, transfer chatter around the Sydney Roosters continues to intensify, with the club making bold moves to secure top talent while managing significant departures that will reshape their squad for years to come. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of confirmed signings, potential targets, and players set to leave the tricolours.
CONFIRMED SIGNINGS: BUILDING FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE
The Roosters have been proactive in strengthening their roster across both men’s and women’s teams, locking in key players to maintain their competitiveness at the highest level.
Men’s NRL Squad
– Tommy Talau: The dynamic centre joined the club with immediate effect ahead of the 2026 NRL season, arriving from the Wests Tigers where he established himself as a reliable attacking threat with strong ball-handling skills and defensive awareness. Talau, who has represented Samoa internationally, was brought in to fill depth gaps in the backline following several high-profile departures, and has already made an impact in pre-season trials with his ability to break through defensive lines.
– Daly Cherry-Evans: One of the most significant signings in the club’s recent history, the former Manly Sea Eagles captain and Queensland Origin halfback put pen to paper on a deal to join the Roosters for 2026. With over 300 NRL games and multiple representative honours to his name, Cherry-Evans brings invaluable leadership and game management experience to the halves. His combination with young playmakers is expected to be a cornerstone of the Roosters’ attacking strategy, and he will also play a key role in mentoring the next generation of talent at the club.
– Reece Robson: The talented hooker signed on to join the Roosters for 2026 after spending several successful seasons with the St George Illawarra Dragons and North Queensland Cowboys. Robson, who has been part of the New South Wales Origin setup, is known for his speed out of dummy half and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. While he is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained late in the 2025 season, the club’s medical staff are confident he will be fit in time for the start of the 2026 campaign, where he is set to take over as the primary hooker following Brandon Smith’s departure.
– Reuben Garrick: Secured on a landmark three-year deal beginning in 2027, Garrick will make the move from the Manly Sea Eagles to the Roosters after establishing himself as one of the NRL’s most consistent performers. A versatile backline player who can cover fullback, wing, and centre, Garrick is also a prolific point-scorer, having led the NRL in points on multiple occasions. The Roosters see him as a long-term solution in the backline, with his ability to contribute both in attack and defence making him a valuable asset as the club plans for the post-2026 era.
NRLW Squad
– Rima Butler: The powerful forward signed a two-year deal to join the Roosters’ NRLW squad starting in 2025, arriving from the Brisbane Broncos where she was a key contributor to their success. Butler, who has represented New Zealand at international level, adds size and strength to the Roosters’ pack, with her ability to dominate in the middle of the field and make strong carries through defensive lines set to bolster the team’s forward momentum. She has already integrated well into the squad, with coaches praising her work ethic and leadership qualities during training sessions.
POTENTIAL TARGETS: WHO COULD JOIN THE TRICOLOURS NEXT?
Beyond their confirmed signings, the Roosters are reportedly exploring several high-profile targets as they look to address remaining gaps in their squad and build a team capable of challenging for premierships in the coming years.
– Kalyn Ponga: The biggest name linked to the Roosters is Newcastle Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga, with whispers of a marquee move circulating for both 2026 and 2027. Ponga, who has represented Queensland and Australia at the highest level, is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the NRL, with his ability to create something out of nothing and control the game from fullback making him a coveted asset. The Roosters are believed to be monitoring his situation closely as he approaches the end of his current deal with the Knights, with the club seeing him as the ideal long-term replacement for Joseph Sua’alii once he switches codes. While no formal approach has been made, sources close to the club indicate that they are prepared to offer a significant contract to secure his services, should he become available.
– Young Talent Pipeline: In addition to established stars, the Roosters are continuing to invest in young talent, with several up-and-coming players from their junior pathways and other clubs being targeted for development contracts. The club has a strong track record of nurturing young players into first-grade stars, and they are looking to maintain this tradition by identifying and signing promising prospects across all positions. While specific names have not been confirmed, there is speculation that the Roosters are looking at several under-20s representatives from Queensland and New South Wales, as well as young players from regional areas who have caught the eye of talent scouts.
PLAYERS LIKELY TO LEAVE OR WITH CONFIRMED DEPARTURES
The Roosters are facing a significant turnover in their squad, with several key players set to depart either immediately or at the end of the 2026 season, as salary cap pressures and career decisions shape the club’s future.
Confirmed Departures
– Brandon Smith: The New Zealand international hooker has signed a two-year deal with South Sydney Rabbitohs starting in 2026, with negotiations still ongoing about a possible mid-season switch in 2025. Smith’s departure comes as a result of salary cap constraints at the Roosters, as well as his desire for more regular game time as a starting hooker. His knee injury sustained in 2025 has complicated matters, with both clubs working together to ensure a smooth transition whenever he makes the move. During his time at the Roosters, Smith was a key contributor to the team’s forward pack, bringing energy and aggression to the role.
– Mark Nawaqanitawase: The exciting winger will leave the Roosters after the 2026 season to return to rugby union, with his sights set on representing Australia at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Nawaqanitawase, who joined the Roosters from rugby union in 2023, has established himself as one of the NRL’s most dangerous finishers, with his speed and athleticism making him a constant threat on the wing. The club has been supportive of his decision to pursue his international ambitions, and he is expected to play a key role in the Roosters’ 2026 campaign before making the switch.
– Joseph Manu: The former Roosters centre has already made the move to rugby union in Japan, where he has been playing for a top-tier club. He will next head to France’s Top 14 competition, with no plans to return to the NRL. Manu was one of the Roosters’ most consistent performers during his time at the club, winning multiple premierships and representing New Zealand at international level. His departure has left a significant gap in the Roosters’ backline, which the club is looking to fill through both signings and internal development.
– Joseph Sua’alii: The young superstar is set to switch to rugby union with the NSW Waratahs at the end of 2026, with discussions ongoing about a possible early release. Sua’alii, who made his NRL debut at just 17 years old, has become one of the game’s most exciting talents, with his size, speed, and skill making him a dominant force in the backline. The Roosters have worked closely with Sua’alii to ensure he is prepared for the transition, and he is expected to be a key player for the club in the lead-up to his departure.
– Jared Waerea-Hargreaves: The veteran prop is retiring from the NRL at the end of the current season and will head to the English Super League to finish his career. Waerea-Hargreaves has been a cornerstone of the Roosters’ forward pack for over a decade, winning multiple premierships and representing New Zealand and Australia at international level. His leadership and physical presence will be missed, but the club is confident that younger forwards are ready to step up and fill the void.
– Luke Keary: The experienced halfback will retire at the end of the relevant season, bringing to a close a distinguished career that includes multiple premierships with the Roosters and representative honours with New South Wales and Australia. Keary has been a key playmaker for the Roosters since joining the club in 2017, with his vision and game management skills playing a crucial role in the team’s success. He is expected to remain involved with the club in a coaching or mentoring capacity after his retirement.
– Siti Li Tupou Niua: The forward has been told he can leave the club and is currently exploring options with other NRL teams and Super League clubs. Tupou Niua joined the Roosters in 2024 but struggled to secure regular first-grade game time, and the club has decided to release him to allow him to pursue more opportunities elsewhere.
Other Possible Departures
Several other players have been linked to exits from the Roosters at various points, with salary cap pressures and competition for spots driving speculation about their futures:
– Billy Smith: The centre has attracted interest from Super League clubs and several NRL teams, with his future at the Roosters uncertain as he looks for more regular game time.
– Connor Watson: The utility player has been linked to moves to both NRL and Super League clubs, with his versatility making him a valuable asset for teams looking to add depth to their squad.
– Drew Hutchison: The halfback has been exploring options outside the Roosters, with several clubs expressing interest in his services as a backup playmaker.
– Matt Lodge: The prop has been linked to moves to Super League clubs, with his physical style of play making him an attractive prospect for teams in the northern hemisphere.
– Sam Walker: The young halfback has been the subject of transfer speculation for several seasons, with his future at the Roosters uncertain as he competes for a spot in the starting lineup.
– Jake Turpin: The hooker has attracted interest from NRL and Super League clubs, with his experience making him a valuable backup option for teams in need of depth at dummy half.
– Jaxson Paulo: The winger has been linked to moves to both NRL and Super League clubs, with his speed and finishing ability making him an attractive prospect for teams looking to strengthen their backline.
– Nathan Brown: The forward has been exploring options outside the Roosters, with several clubs expressing interest in his services as a middle or edge forward.
– Paul Momirovski: The centre has been linked to moves to Super League clubs, with his ability to contribute both in attack and defence making him a valuable asset for teams in the northern hemisphere.
The Roosters’ squad overhaul represents a significant period of transition for the club, as they balance the need to remain competitive in the short term with building a team capable of sustained success in the future. With a mix of experienced stars and promising young talent, the tricolours are positioning themselves to remain one of the NRL’s top teams for years to come.
Leave a Reply