“‘I CAN’T ACCEPT ANYMORE’: ROOSTERS YOUNG STAR HUGO SAVALA THREATENS EXIT OVER PLAYING TIME UNCERTAINTY”
Sydney Roosters young gun Hugo Savala has sent a stark warning to the club, declaring “I can’t accept anymore” as he threatens to leave over growing concerns about his playing time – a crisis triggered by the recent signing of Manly legend Daly Cherry-Evans.
When the Roosters announced Cherry-Evans’ arrival last month, many immediately predicted it would spell the end of Savala’s career in the eastern suburbs – and those fears have now been amplified by the 23-year-old’s public threat to seek a move elsewhere. Rumours began swirling within hours of the high-profile signing, and with the promise Savala showed in his NRL debut season as a starting five-eighth, several rival clubs have already started circling, sensing an opportunity to secure one of the game’s most promising young playmakers.
Savala’s future in next season’s lineup hangs in the balance, with Cherry-Evans and incumbent halfback Sam Walker expected to form the Roosters’ starting halves combination. To compound matters, the club has also added utility Connor Watson on a deal until the end of 2027, further crowding the playmaking ranks and leaving Savala with little clear path to regular first-grade football.
In his breakthrough debut campaign, Savala impressed fans and coaches alike with his poise, vision and ability to control the game from five-eighth, establishing himself as a player with the potential to become a long-term star for the Roosters. His performances earned him consistent starting spots and raised hopes that he would be the club’s next generation playmaker – hopes that have been dashed by the arrival of Cherry-Evans, who brings decades of experience and leadership to the role.
Now, Savala has made it clear he is not willing to sit on the bench or play reserve grade, telling club officials he needs regular first-grade minutes to continue his development. With rival clubs already expressing strong interest, the Roosters face a critical decision: find a way to fit their young star into the lineup alongside their new signings, or risk losing one of their most exciting prospects to a competitor. As the pressure mounts, Savala’s threat has put the club’s recruitment strategy under intense scrutiny, with fans questioning whether the pursuit of a seasoned veteran has come at the cost of nurturing local talent.
