The Roosters have confirmed a two-year contract extension for boom centre Robert Toia, after a wonderful rookie campaign that saw him become a State of Origin star for Queensland and Test international with Tonga. But Angus Crichton’s future appears up in the air amid reports he could be seeking a fresh move to rugby.
Toia was already signed until the end of 2027, but the Roosters have now locked him down for a further two seasons until the end of 2029. The 21-year-old made his NRL debut in Round 1, played 21 games for the Roosters and all three Origin matches for the Maroons.
He was then rewarded with his Test debut for Tonga in the Pacific Championships, and also win the Dally M rookie of the year award. The Roosters’ head of recruitment Joel Carbone said in a club statement on Tuesday the new deal was a reward for a sensational year
“What sets Robert apart isn’t just his talent, it’s his character. He worked through some tough early challenges with real resilience and determination,” Carbone said. “With the work ethic he brings, there’s no capping the ceiling for where he can take his game, and we’re very pleased to have him locked in long-term.”
Toia said he’s rapt to remain at the Roosters after supporting the club all his life. “The Roosters have believed in me from the start and stood by me through some setbacks along the way,” he said.
“The trust and belief from [Trent Robinson], my teammates and everyone at the club – back to [Jake Friend] and [Mitchell Aubusson] during my Academy days – has always meant a lot to me and made the Roosters feel like home. The confidence I took out of 2025 has made me even hungrier to keep improving. I’m so proud to stay a Rooster, and I’ll be giving everything I have back to this club.”
The Roosters are also reportedly on the cusp of signing Reuben Garrick from Manly for 2027. Garrick has reportedly told the Sea Eagles he won’t be extending past 2026, and the Roosters have a void to fill with Mark Nawaqanitawase heading back to rugby union for the 2027 World Cup.
Garrick would join good friend Daly Cherry-Evans and fellow outside back Tommy Talau in making the move from Manly to the Roosters. The Bondi club have also signed former Dragons fullback and winger Cody Ramsey.
It’s mixed news for Roosters fans, with NSW and Kangaroos star Crichton also reportedly weighing up a code switch. The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Crichton is considering his future in the NRL past 2026, with the carrot of the Rugby World Cup looming large.
The second-rower played rugby as a schoolboy, and had previously been linked with a switch to the 15-man code. The SMH is reporting that Japanese rugby could be an option – as well as Super Rugby in Australia – but Crichton will likely remain with the Roosters if he decides to stay in the NRL.
