CONFIRMED: In a major recruitment win, the Sydney Roosters have officially beaten the Parramatta Eels in a heated race to secure the signature of a highly rated second-row forward from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, locking in the talented star on a lucrative multi-year deal that strengthens the Roosters’ forward pack and signals their long-term prem…

The Sydney Roosters have delivered a major statement of intent, officially defeating the Parramatta Eels in the race to secure the signature of a highly rated second-row forward from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a multi-year deal. The move represents a significant recruitment victory for the Roosters and further underlines their reputation as one of the NRL’s most aggressive and strategic operators in the player market.
The signing comes after weeks of speculation, with both the Roosters and Eels heavily linked to the Rabbitohs forward. Parramatta were believed to be confident of landing the player, viewing him as a key piece in reshaping their forward pack for the future. However, the Roosters’ ability to sell a clear long-term vision, combined with their strong development pathways and consistent premiership contention, ultimately proved decisive.
For the Roosters, the acquisition addresses a critical area of their squad. The second row has long been a cornerstone of their success, built on mobility, defensive steel, and attacking creativity. Securing a young, highly rated forward on a multi-year contract ensures stability in the pack and provides a player who can grow into a leadership role over time. It also offers coach Trent Robinson added flexibility, allowing him to rotate experienced veterans while gradually integrating emerging talent.
The Rabbitohs’ decision to part ways with the forward reflects the difficult realities of salary cap management in the modern NRL. South Sydney boast significant depth in the back row, and retaining all their emerging stars was always going to be a challenge. While losing a promising forward is a blow, the move may allow the club to redirect resources into other key positions and maintain balance across the squad.
From Parramatta’s perspective, missing out on the signing will be disappointing. The Eels have been actively targeting impact forwards to complement their existing roster, and this player was seen as an ideal fit for their system. While the setback is notable, Parramatta are expected to remain active in the market and may pivot quickly to alternative targets as they continue to build toward sustained success.
Beyond the immediate implications, the signing highlights the increasingly competitive nature of player recruitment in the NRL. Clubs are no longer just competing on financial terms, but on culture, development opportunities, and long-term success. The Roosters’ ability to consistently attract top-tier talent from rival clubs reinforces their status as a destination club.
As the new signing prepares to make the move from Redfern to Bondi, expectations will be high. Supporters will be eager to see how he adapts to the Roosters’ system and whether he can translate his potential into consistent top-level performances. If he delivers on promise, this deal could prove to be one of the most impactful recruitment wins of the coming seasons.