LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Departing Manly Sea Eagles outside back is reportedly set to find an NRL lifeline at the Sydney Roosters, where he will join the same club as his partner, star NRLW player Jess Sergis.
Talau was one of several players confirmed to be leaving the Sea Eagles at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The Northern Beaches-based club opted against offering a new contract to the injury-prone outside back.
Despite wanting to remain at Manly, Talau had previously indicated he wouldn't dismiss the possibility of moving overseas.
However, it now seems he will join the Sydney Roosters on a one-year deal in 2026, according to News Corp. This addition aims to enhance the Roosters' depth in the outside backs, an area where they struggled notably in 2025.
These challenges persisted even after the emergence of Mark Nawaqanitawase, who switched from rugby union to the NRL and quickly became the league's top try-scorer in his debut season with the Roosters.
However, depth issues arose due to factors like State of Origin and injuries. The Roosters faced the loss of both Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii as they transitioned to rugby union prior to the 2025 season.
Additionally, the team is dealing with an ongoing injury concern for centre Robert Toia but anticipates his return to fitness by Round 1 of 2026.