Super League clubs put on alert as Sydney Roosters prepare for ruthless squad overhaul
PHOTO: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts
NRL giants Sydney Roosters are set to undergo a massive squad overhaul at the end of the year if they are to miss out on a spot in the finals.
That is according to renowned Australian journalist Moley, reporting on the Wide World of Sports.
Trent Robinson’s side currently sit 12th after 15 rounds of the NRL season with just six wins on the ladder.
Despite their star-studded squad that includes the likes of Australia captain James Tedesco alongside New Zealand representatives Joey Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Brandon Smith, the side have scored the least amount of points so far this year with just 210, with Wests Tigers next on 233.
Prop forward Spencer Leniu will join the club from Penrith Panthers for 2024, while England star Dominic Young is also set to make the switch from Newcastle Knights.
Veteran Mitchell Pearce has also been speculated with a return from Catalans Dragons to finish his career, with young playmaker Sam Walker having recently fallen out of favour with just six appearances so far this year.
Big names set to leave Sydney Roosters
Young star Joseph Suaalii will switch codes on a three-year deal with Rugby Australia and the New South Wales Waratahs at the end of next season, although Moley has reported that an early release is on the cards.
Centre Billy Smith, utilities Connor Watson and Drew Hutchison and prop Matt Lodge have also been named as those who look set to be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Lodge, 28, is likely to be picked up by an NRL rival club in 2024, although several Super League clubs are currently in the market to bolster their forward pack. The experienced forward has made 109 appearances in the NRL with Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors.
Hutchison, 28, previously spent one season in England with Leigh, and has proven to be a handy utility with the Roosters, able to play in the halves and at centre. He has made 11 appearances in 2023.
Leeds-born half-back Walker, 20, could also be ‘shopped around’ according to Moley, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Jake Turpin, Jaxson Paulo and veteran forward Nathan Brown are all also off-contract at the end of the year and are playing for their futures – with Super League clubs already looking into the market for 2024.
Despite being under contract for next season, Moley has also reported that Paul Momirovski could be set for an early exit. The ex-Penrith Panthers and Wests Tigers outside-back has featured just twice this season.
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