MASSIVE BLOW FOR SYDNEY ROOSTERS AS NEW RECRUIT TOMMY TALAU SUFFERS BROKEN THUMB
Pre-season clash against former club Wests Tigers in jeopardy after outside back sustains injury just days out from Newcastle fixture
The Sydney Roosters have been dealt a significant setback with newly signed outside back Tommy Talau suffering a broken thumb today, just days ahead of Saturday’s Pre-Season Challenge clash against the Wests Tigers at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle.
The injury comes as a major blow to the Roosters’ preparations for the 2026 season, with Talau only recently joining the club to bolster their backline options. The incident occurred during a training session this morning, with initial medical assessments confirming a fracture that will require immediate treatment and rehabilitation. It remains unclear whether the 25-year-old will be able to feature in the highly anticipated pre-season encounter against his former club.
Talau is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with an impressive track record across the NRL, having previously represented both the Wests Tigers and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. He joined the Sydney Roosters ahead of the 2026 campaign, with the club identifying him as a key addition to their squad due to his proven try-scoring ability and powerful running game.
The outside back holds a unique place in rugby league history as the first player born in the 2000s to pull on a Wests Tigers jersey, making his debut as a teenager and quickly establishing himself as a promising talent in the competition. During his time with the Tigers, he became known for his strong defensive work and ability to find the try line, while his spell at Manly further developed his skills as a versatile back capable of covering multiple positions.
Roosters head coach Trent Robinson expressed disappointment at the timing of the injury but emphasized the club’s commitment to supporting Talau’s recovery. “Tommy has settled in brilliantly since joining us and has been working extremely hard in pre-season,” Robinson said. “While this is obviously frustrating for him and the team.
With the Pre-Season Challenge fixture against the Tigers looming, the Roosters will now need to reshuffle their backline for the Newcastle clash. The focus will also turn to ensuring Talau’s recovery stays on track, with the regular NRL season set to kick off in the coming weeks.
