ROOSTERS RECRUIT ROBSON ANNOUNCES DEVASTATING NEWS ABOUT HIS SISTER
In a heartbreaking turn for Sydney Roosters recruit Reece Robson – who officially joins the club on a four-year deal starting in the 2026 NRL season – the star hooker has today announced devastating news about his sister, leaving the rugby league community in mourning alongside him.
Robson, who will finish his contract with the North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the 2025 season following his December 2024 signing with the Roosters, released a statement this morning confirming his younger sister, 22-year-old Chloe Robson, had passed away unexpectedly at her home in Townsville. “Words cannot describe the pain our family is feeling right now,” the 26-year-old wrote. “Chloe was the light of our lives – kind, funny, and the biggest supporter of everything I’ve ever done in football. We are absolutely shattered.”
The Cowboys immediately granted Robson indefinite leave from training and upcoming pre-season matches, with club CEO Jeff Reibel describing the news as “devastating for Reece, his family and our entire playing group.” “Reece has been a cherished member of our Cowboys family for five years, and we will wrap him in every bit of support he needs during this impossible time,” Reibel said.
Sydney Roosters head coach Trent Robinson also expressed the club’s deepest condolences, saying the Roosters family was “standing shoulder to shoulder with Reece and his loved ones, even before he arrives at Bondi Junction.” “This is so much bigger than football,” Robinson said. “Our only focus right now is supporting Reece through this tragedy – his contract, his future with the club, all of that can wait.”
Tributes have flooded in from across the NRL, with current and former players sharing memories of Chloe and messages of support for Robson. Queensland Origin teammate Ben Hunt wrote on Instagram: “My heart is breaking for you mate. Chloe was always there cheering us on – she will never be forgotten.” Even rival clubs like the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm posted messages of sympathy, highlighting the close-knit nature of the rugby league community in times of grief.
Robson, who has played 127 NRL games to date – 112 for the Cowboys – has been a key figure in North Queensland’s recent success, including their 2024 finals campaign. His move to the Roosters was hailed as one of the biggest signings of the 2024 off-season, with the club securing his services to lead their forward pack from 2026.
The family has requested privacy as they grieve, with a memorial service planned for next week in Townsville.
