The Roosters have welcomed two new key recruits in a roster shake-up of sorts ahead of the 2026 season — with Trent Robinson seeking the final pieces of his premiership puzzle.
The Tricolours have parted ways with a mountain of talent in recent years, with the likes of Terrell May, Brandon Smith, Sandon Smith, Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii all departing.
But in their place, Daly Cherry-Evans and Reece Robson have arrived, with a host of young and rising stars filling the gaps in the remainder of the 17.
The arrival of Cherry-Evans in particular has sparked some potential salary cap shifting, with the future of young gun Hugo Savala now up in the air.
Meanwhile, Robson solves a consistent No.9 issue after Smith’s move fell flat — but his arrival also causes headaches when it comes to the make-up of the club’s spine.
As it stands, Angus Crichton, Daniel Tupou, Siua Wong and Xavier Va’a are free to negotiate with rivals and November 1 next year shapes as a pivotal moment for the Tricolours squad.
THE HALVES HEADACHE
There’s no denying it, Hugo Savala enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025.
The rising star was a revelation under Trent Robinson, proving he has one of the longest boots in the NRL and has playmaking skills to partner it.
But despite looming as a potentially perfect foil for the off-the-cuff Sam Walker, Cherry-Evans is set to take his spot.
That signing doesn’t spell the end for Savala at the Roosters, and he could bide his time in reserve grade or even find a spot on the bench, such is his utility value and size.
However, he’s good enough to start at a rival club, and as such the Cowboys have already been linked with his services.
The Roosters, when given the opportunity, couldn’t deny signing someone of Cherry-Evans calibre, who alongside Robson, James Tedesco and Walker makes up a star-studded spine.
But it could come at a cost — Savala.
Elsewhere, there’s also the potential for Walker’s development as a organising No.7 to be stalled, and if Savala stays, Robinson could have further issues.
Cherry-Evans is expected to slot into the halfback role in 2026, allowing Walker to play his free, off-the-cuff style of football he has become renowed for.
But now, with the veteran halfback in the side, Walker will have less to do on the kicking front, while the onus won’t be solely on him to steer the troops around the park.
It’s double-edged sword, but for now, Walker could thrive.
But once Cherry-Evans hangs up the boots, he will once again have to slot into that dominant No.7 role — and without the veteran Manly star arriving, he could be much more equipped.
Then comes the next predicament, with two young guns in Toby Rodwell and Jake Elliott waiting in the wings.
The 19 and 20-year-olds, respectively, will have to bide their time in NSW Cup, sitting further down the pecking order than they originally would have liked following Cherry-Evans’ arrival.
Elliott is contracted until the end of the 2027 season, while Rodwell has an extra year on his deal.
While one of Savala, Elliott and Rodwell are set to partner Walker in the future — all three could look elsewhere for minutes, considering Cherry-Evans’ arrival.
