LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Sydney Roosters, despite an overachieving season, are focused on reshaping their roster for the 2026 NRL season.
Reports have surfaced that injured hooker Brandon Smith and English international Dominic Young are likely concluding their tenures with the club.
The Roosters aim to clear salary cap space to potentially sign Manly Sea Eagles captain Daly Cherry-Evans, who would join existing stars James Tedesco, Sam Walker, and NSW Blues hooker Reece Robson in the team's core lineup.
Veteran halfback Chad Townsend has reportedly been offered to Super League teams, as he is expected to remain without a contract for the next season after being dropped to the NSW Cup.
This move comes amid a broader search for playmakers in the Super League, where several players, including former NRL talents Tyrone May (Hull Kingston Rovers), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), and Matt Frawley (Leeds Rhinos), will be off-contract at the end of 2025.