LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The Sydney Roosters are reportedly open to allowing hooker Zach Dockar-Clay to leave the club if he secures a deal with another team for the next season.
Recently, Dockar-Clay emerged as an unexpected standout, playing 74 minutes in a match against the Dolphins after starting hooker Sandon Smith was sidelined due to a concussion.
This forced Connor Watson to shift to five-eighth, leaving Dockar-Clay to assume a larger role at dummy-half.
He led the team's tackle count with 37 tackles and came close to scoring a remarkable try, only hindered by a mishap while grounding the ball.
In Round 8, he also made a significant impact off the bench against the Dragons, contributing a line-break assist during their 46-18 victory.
Despite his recent success, Dockar-Clay faces uncertainty regarding his future with the team.
Daily Telegraph columnist 'The Oracle' noted that coach Trent Robinson would not oppose Dockar-Clay's departure if he finds a new club for 2026.
Dockar-Clay is a free agent, with his contract expiring at the end of this season, allowing him the freedom to negotiate with other clubs.
"'Robinson] told me he is off contract and would be happy for him if he was offered a decent deal elsewhere from 2026,'" wrote 'The Oracle.'
While Dockar-Clay's performance has solidified his place in the NRL team, fans may react negatively to the prospect of his departure.
One fan expressed, "Would be a huge mistake letting him go, he's such a huge asset to the team." Another added, "Why do the Roosters always seem happy to see players go elsewhere?"