The Sydney Roosters have emerged as another potential contender for the signature of Kangaroos and Maroons Origin star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. The 25-year-old is contracted at the Titans until the end of 2033 on a lucrative $1.1 million a season deal, but has clauses in his contract meaning he can speak with rival NRL clubs about a move in 2027.
Fa’asuamaleaui says he’s keen to stay on the Gold Coast and see how things pan out under new coach Josh Hannay. But the superstar forward also wants to “see improvements” across the board at the Titans before he rules out the possibility of a move.
The Gold Coast skipper is arguably the biggest name currently on the open market and has already been linked with a host of clubs. Fa’asuamaleaui has been earmarked as a potential marquee signing for Mal Meninga’s cashed-up Perth Bears, with reports they could blow rivals out of the water with a deal worth around $1.5 million a season for versatile forward.
The Dragons and Bulldogs have been touted as other potential landing spots for Fa’asuamaleaui, while Melbourne would welcome him back to the NRL club he debuted at with open arms. The Storm have freed up a massive chunk of salary cap space after releasing Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Ryan Papenhuyzen from lucrative deals.
Emerging playmaker Jonah Pezet has also left for the Eels and the Storm will receive salary cap compensation for the loss of rep forward Eli Katoa. The Dally M second rower of the year has been ruled out of the entire 2026 season after the sickening brain injury he suffered while playing for Tonga in November.
Roosters linked with huge play for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
But according to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald, rival clubs are wary of the Roosters making a big-money play for the Titans skipper. The report notes that Fa’asuamaleaui has family history with the Tri Colours after his father enjoyed a playing stint there during his own career.
However, salary cap constraints could make it difficult for Trent Robinson’s side to secure the signature of one of the NRL’s most in-demand stars. The Roosters have signed former Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans and NSW hooker Reece Robson for next season and agreed a three-year deal to bring Sea Eagles star Reuben Garrick to the club in 2027.
They have also recently re-signed Robert Toia until the end of 2029 after offering the Maroons centre a two-year extension. Robinson’s men have offset some of their spending by releasing some seven players from this year’s top-30 roster for next season. And their coffers will be further boosted by the departure of Mark Nawaqanitawase after the 2026 season, with this year’s leading try-scorer set to return to rugby.
NSW and Kangaroos forward Angus Crichton is another big-name Roosters star understood to be considering a switch to rugby union when his contract runs out at the end of next season. And his potential exit could pave the way for the Roosters to splash the cash on Fa’asuamaleaui.
The Roosters have a stacked forward pack that also includes fellow rep stars Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins and Connor Watson. And they also re-signed gun middle forward Naufahu Whyte to a new deal earlier this year that keeps him at the club until at least the end of 2029. The potential addition of Fa’asuamaleaui from 2027 would make an already world-class forward pack even more formidable.
