Hugo Savala will test the open market following news Daly Cherry-Evans will join the Sydney Roosters next year.
Within hours of the Roosters confirming 36-year-old Cherry-Evans will join the club next season, with an option in his favour for 2027, Savala, the breakout halfback at Bondi this season, said he was prepared to explore his options.
Savala forged an exciting halves combination with Sam Walker, but he is not prepared to spend up to two years biding his time to get another shot at a starting spot.
“It wasn’t as if the news came as a big surprise,” Savala said on Friday. “I’ve had a chat to ‘Robbo’ [coach Trent Robinson] about it previously.
“I’m sure I can learn a lot from ‘DCE’, and I’m super keen to compete for a spot in the side next season.
“I came through the Roosters’ junior rep program, and I’d love to be a one-club player, but whether or not that happens now, I can’t be sure.”
Savala, 23, confirmed his management had begun the process of sourcing opportunities for 2027 and beyond, saying: “We will just see what happens. I’ve got a year to go at the Roosters.
“I guess I’ve got to consider all options from here, but my primary focus is to start the season well for the club and see where things take me.”
Savala has played 21 games for the Roosters, with one of his best assets being his booming right boot. While he can also play lock and even centre, Savala’s only hope of playing in the halves will be if Cherry-Evans or Walker are injured.
He looms as a good No.14 option off the bench, especially with Connor Watson tipped to start at lock while Victor Radley is on a 10-game club-imposed ban. Even then, it remains unclear if Radley’s punishment will include the three Tests he could not play for England in the Ashes, and possibly two Roosters trial games in February, which would essentially cut his ban in half.
The Perth Bears enter the competition in 2027, but Toby Sexton has already been linked to the franchise, and they may be in pursuit of a playmaker with more experience.
Another Roosters’ half, Sandon Smith, has already joined the Newcastle Knights on a four-year deal.
Skipper James Tedesco praised Savala late in the season for being able to block out the speculation about Cherry-Evans, saying: “He [Savala] is a local kid, really inquisitive about the game, watches a lot of footy, and I love that. I’m loving our combination on the field. He doesn’t overplay his hand; he gives me time and space. He’s been awesome.”
The Dragons are on the hunt for a starting half, while the Roosters’ arch-rivals, South Sydney, have Cody Walker unsigned beyond 2026, with Jamie Humphreys, Jayden Sullivan, Ashton Ward and recruit Jonah Glover all vying for the No.7 jersey.
