“DONE DEAL” SYDNEY ROOSTERS SECURE PRE-CONTRACT WITH STAR FORWARD GRIFFIN NEAME FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
The Sydney Roosters have seized a golden opportunity to secure a pre-contract agreement with North Queensland Cowboys middle forward Griffin Neame, with the highly regarded New Zealand international set to join the Bondi Junction club ahead of the 2027 NRL season.
Since making his first-grade debut in 2021, Neame has established himself as one of the NRL’s most reliable and high-performing front-rowers. The 25-year-old, signed out of Greymouth, New Zealand, progressed through the Cowboys’ Academy and Young Guns development pathways before cementing his place as a regular starter in the first team.
Over the past five seasons, Neame has made 89 NRL appearances, averaging 138 running metres and 28 tackles per game. His consistency and durability have made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ forward pack, with his ability to maintain intensity through 80 minutes earning widespread praise from coaches and analysts alike. This season alone, he has featured in 16 matches, recording a career-high average of 145 running metres and 32 tackles per game, while contributing two tries and three offloads.
As an international representative, Neame made his debut for New Zealand in 2023, earning six caps to date and playing a key role in the Kiwis’ successful Pacific Championships campaign last year. His combination of size, strength, and footwork has seen him compared to some of the modern game’s leading middle forwards.
Sydney Roosters head coach Trent Robinson confirmed the signing, describing Neame as one of the greatest forward prospects in the competition. “We are thrilled to welcome Griffin to the Sydney Roosters family,” said Robinson. “He has built an incredible reputation as a consistent, hard-working middle forward who brings both physicality and skill to the field. In my view, he is one of the greatest talents in the NRL today, and we believe he will be a perfect fit for our playing style and culture.”
The pre-contract agreement includes a three-year deal commencing in 2027, with the Roosters beating out several rival clubs for Neame’s signature. North Queensland Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel paid tribute to the forward’s contribution to the club: “Griffin has been an outstanding representative of the North Queensland Cowboys, and we are proud of everything he has achieved during his time here. While we are disappointed to see him leave, we wish him all the best in his next chapter with the Sydney Roosters.”
Neame expressed his excitement about the move, saying: “The Sydney Roosters have a rich history of success, and the opportunity to play under Trent Robinson is something I couldn’t pass up. I’m grateful to the Cowboys for everything they’ve done for me, and I’m determined to bring my best to the Roosters and help deliver more silverware to the club.”
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