The Sydney Roosters are reportedly closing in on finalising a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2026 NRL season, with club insiders and pundits confident that the Bondi powerhouse will “get the deal done” despite strong competition from rival clubs.
Roosters Move to Bolster Forward Pack
According to veteran NRL journalist James Hooper, the Roosters are in advanced negotiations to sign David Fifita from the Gold Coast Titans, in what could be one of the biggest recruitment coups of the off-season.
Speaking on Fox League’s NRL 360, Hooper said the Roosters’ trademark professionalism and salary cap management give them the upper hand in sealing the deal.
“When the Roosters want a player, they usually get their man,” Hooper said. “The mail is that the Titans have made a strong case for Fifita to stay, but the Roosters have the structure, the resources, and the reputation to get it done.”
The Deal Taking Shape
While financial details remain under wraps, sources suggest the Roosters are preparing a three-year deal worth around $2.7 million, with performance incentives and marquee player allowances factored into the package.
Club chairman Nick Politis and head coach Trent Robinson are said to be directly involved in negotiations, underlining the club’s determination to strengthen their forward rotation following the departures of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Nat Butcher.
“It’s about building for the future,” one Roosters insider told NRL.com. “We’ve freed up cap space and want to bring in players who can dominate both sides of the ball for the next five years.”
Competition From Other Clubs
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos have both expressed interest in Fifita, while the Dolphins are believed to have tabled a rival bid. However, several pundits — including Cooper Cronk — believe the Roosters remain the most attractive option.
“The Roosters have the stability, the facilities, and the culture that players want to be part of,” Cronk said on The Matty Johns Show. “They’ve got a great core group — Tedesco, Keary, Walker, and Smith — and adding Fifita to that mix makes them an immediate premiership threat.”
Roosters’ Off-Season Focus
Beyond Fifita, the Roosters are also rumoured to be eyeing Zac Lomax from the St George Illawarra Dragons, and young Panthers hooker Luke Sommerton, as part of their broader recruitment push.
Coach Trent Robinson has made it clear that the club’s goal is to evolve its roster for sustained success rather than short-term fixes.
“We’ve been patient with our recruitment, but now’s the time to act,” Robinson said after the club’s end-of-season review. “We’re building a side that can compete with Penrith and Brisbane for years to come.”
