LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Sydney Roosters are reportedly planning to maintain substantial salary cap space for the years 2027 and 2028, aiming to attract rugby code-hopping stars Joseph Manu, Joseph Suaalii, and Mark Nawaqanitawase back to their ranks.
The club's outside backs have recently faced significant losses to rugby union. Initially, the Roosters lost both Manu and Suaalii prior to the 2025 season, and their replacement Nawaqanitawase, who was signed from rugby union, has already committed to returning to that sport in 2027 to compete for a World Cup spot.
Similar to Nawaqanitawase, Suaalii departed the NRL for rugby union for the same reasons. Meanwhile, Manu is currently playing overseas and, depending on changes to international selection rules, could also be a candidate to play for the All Blacks in the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia.
There has been ongoing speculation about Manu's potential return to the Roosters, and the team believes that both Manu and the other two players may eventually return to the NRL, potentially rejoining the Bondi-based club.
The Sporting News reports that Trent Robinson and the club's recruitment team have kept salary cap space open and will continue to do so in the coming years, anticipating the possible return of one, two, or all three outside backs.
While bringing all three players back could significantly impact the Roosters' budget and may not be entirely feasible under current salary cap regulations, there is no doubt that the club would engage in negotiations with any of the trio who are interested in returning to the 13-man game.