The Sydney Roosters will not chase Nathan Cleary to replace Sam Walker, according to reports on Monday, taking the reigning premiers out of the race for the Penrith superstar.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the Roosters have no interest in making a play for Cleary, who has been free to speak to rival clubs about a 2028 deal since NRL free agency opened on Sunday, 1 November. The report was picked up by Yahoo Sport Australia and Zero Tackle. The club has not made a public statement.
Speculation about a move to Bondi grew after the Roosters withdrew their contract extension offer to Walker last week, leaving the premiers without a long-term halfback beyond 2027.
Roosters back their own halves
Instead of a big-money chase for the game’s best player, the Roosters are reportedly comfortable with their depth in the halves and plan to promote from within.
Hugo Savala is expected to take over from Daly Cherry-Evans in 2027, while the club believes young playmaker Toby Rodwell will be ready by the time Walker leaves, Yahoo Sport Australia reported.
Read more: Sam Walker Calls Robinson, Politis to Apologise, Report Says
The decision came after former Panthers and Roosters star Brad Fittler urged the Tricolours to pursue Cleary. “(The Roosters have) shed six players and also had $1.5m in their recruitment pool for Walker, so Nathan Cleary becomes very viable, if he gets to November 1,” Fittler said.
“Their motto for a long time has been play for premierships. Sometimes a player can come along and make that difference and win a grand final.”
What it means for Cleary and Penrith
Cleary is contracted to Penrith until the end of 2027. The Dally M Medallist is recovering from surgery on both legs after injuries late in the season, and has put contract talks with the Panthers on hold during his recovery.
Read more: Nathan Cleary Puts Panthers Contract Talks on Hold During Recovery
With the Roosters out, the PNG Chiefs loom as the main rival bidder. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sunday that Cleary was open to offers and had not told his manager to rule out the Roosters or the Chiefs, with the newcomers keen to land a marquee No.7.
Without a second big-spending Sydney rival in the market, the Panthers may face less pressure on the price of keeping their four-time premiership halfback.
More News
- PNG Chiefs Declare Hunt for Marquee No.7 as NRL Free Agency Opens
- Nathan Cleary Puts Panthers Contract Talks on Hold During Recovery
- Sam Walker Calls Robinson, Politis to Apologise, Report Says
- Daly Cherry-Evans Rules Out Roosters Comeback Amid Walker Saga
- Victor Radley Open to Leaving Roosters as Free Agency Looms
