The confirmed signing of Daly Cherry Evans for 2026, and potentially beyond, has already cast serious doubts over the future of young Roosters half Hugo Savala who now looks set to test the open market.
But as has become increasingly clear during this year’s Pacific Championships, Savala isn’t the only young star the Roosters may be suddenly at risk of losing to NRL rivals.
21-year-old hooker Benaiah Ioelu has proven a revelation during this year’s Pacific Championships—yet there’s every chance he may struggle to get a game in the number nine jersey under Trent Robinson in 2026.
When the 2026 NRL season begins in March, Ioelu could potentially find himself stuck behind not one but two current NSW State of Origin players in the form of Connor Watson, 29, and the recently signed Reece Robson, 27.
Ioelu joined the Roosters’ academy in 2020 as a 16-year-old and was elevated into the top 30 for the first time in 2025, playing 12 matches where he mostly shared the hooking duties with Watson.
The arrival of Robson from the North Queensland Cowboys looms as a major complication that will need to be delicately managed given Ioelu is signed with the Roosters until the end of 2028.
“He’s too good to be parked playing reserve grade,” Michale Ennis said of Ioelu during Sunday’s Pacific Championships final on Fox Sports.
Given his steep development trajectory, the Roosters will be desperate to keep Ioelu happy, but just like 23-year-old Savala, where he plays in 2026 is unclear.
Whatever happens, it seems two representative hookers at the Roosters are set to spend much of 2026 feeling a little frustrated.
The Perth Bears, on the other and, must be thrilled.
