The Sydney Roosters will farewell eight players from their 2026 premiership squad, with Spencer Leniu, Daly Cherry-Evans, Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase among those leaving Bondi.
The exits were confirmed at the club’s end-of-season awards night, Zero Tackle reported, only days after the Roosters edged Newcastle 19-18 in the grand final. Yahoo News Australia also reported the eight departures.
On Thursday 8 October, the Roosters officially confirmed they had agreed to a request from Leniu’s management to release him from the final year of his contract so he can join another NRL club from the 2027 season.
The eight players leaving
Spencer Leniu
Joined ahead of the 2024 season and leaves after three seasons. Zero Tackle understands he is set to sign a four-year deal with Parramatta from 2027, as we reported on Monday 5 October.
Daniel Tupou
Retired on Wednesday 7 October as a one-club player after 307 games and 198 tries across 15 seasons.
Daly Cherry-Evans
Heading to Hull FC in the Super League, according to Zero Tackle.
Angus Crichton
Switching to rugby union on a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, Zero Tackle reported.
Mark Nawaqanitawase
Returning to rugby union with Japanese club Saitama Wild Knights on a two-year deal, per Zero Tackle.
Connor Watson
Signed a one-year deal with St George Illawarra before joining the PNG Chiefs on a two-year contract in 2028, Zero Tackle reported.
Jake Elliott
The 21-year-old halfback and hooker is yet to make his NRL debut. Zero Tackle understands he has signed with another NRL club.
Fetalaiga (Junior) Pauga
The winger made five appearances this season and has signed a two-year deal with Hull FC, where he will link up with Cherry-Evans, Zero Tackle reported.
Robinson’s farewell to Leniu
Coach Trent Robinson praised the departing forward in the club’s statement.
“Spencer has brought a lot to our group over the last three years, both through the way he plays and the energy and personality he brings every day,” Robinson said.
Leniu said: “To finish my time here as a Premiership winner is really special.”
What comes next for the Roosters
Tommy Talau is the only Roosters player off contract for next season and is expected to sign a one-year extension, Zero Tackle reported. Zero Tackle’s player movements list has Reuben Garrick joining from Manly on a deal to the end of 2029.
On awards night, Naufahu Whyte won the Jack Gibson Medal as the club’s player of the year, Yahoo News Australia reported, while James Tedesco took out the community award.
More News
- NRL: Daniel Tupou Retires After Fourth Premiership With Roosters
- NRL: Spencer Leniu Set to Join Parramatta After Grand Final Win
- NRL: Penrith Panthers Confirm Six Departures, Three Head to Perth
- NRL: Roosters Beat Knights 19-18 in Grand Final Thriller
- NRL: Is James Tedesco Now Better Than Billy Slater?
