ROSTERS EXODUS: Up To Six Premiers Set To Leave — Star Bound For Rival Club…

ROSTERS EXODUS: Up To Six Premiers Set To Leave — Star Bound For Rival Club

 

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA  – The Sydney Roosters’ grand final glory has been tempered by the prospect of a major off‑season exodus, with as many as five to six key players from their premiership‑winning side preparing to depart — including one star who is poised to join a direct rival. Fresh off a heart‑stopping 19–18 victory over the Newcastle Knights on Sunday, the club celebrates its fifth title this century and fourth under coach Trent Robinson, but the immediate future is being reshaped by significant departures.

 

Big Names Head For The Exit

 

The confirmed and looming losses read like a who’s who of the champion squad:

 

– 🔄 Angus Crichton — has played his final game in the red, white and blue, moving on to rugby union

– ✈️ Mark Nawaqanitawase — the biggest departure; the Ken Irvine Medallist and Grand Final hero returns to rugby union, heading to Japan’s Saitama Wild Knights and positioning himself for the Wallabies’ home World Cup next year

– 🟦🟨 Spencer Leniu — move to Parramatta Eels described as “imminent”; agreement reached on a four‑year deal despite having one year remaining on his Roosters contract

 

Leniu’s Impactful Farewell

 

The 26‑year‑old forward’s time at Bondi Junction had been mixed since arriving from Penrith in 2024 — often deployed as an impact bench player and omitted from the preliminary final win over the Dolphins. But he answered the call on the grand final stage, producing a powerful cameo that shifted momentum in the Roosters’ favour. Valued at roughly $800,000, he honoured a pledge to delay any announcement until the season concluded.

 

“The deal is just about done, it’s a long way down the path with Parramatta,” confirmed reporter Brent Read on NRL 360.

 

More Departures Expected

 

Leniu is just the third confirmed exit, with up to three further players from the 17 who took the field on Sunday now weighing up their options. The Roosters face the delicate task of rebuilding while defending their crown — a challenge Robinson and his staff will tackle without some of the men who delivered the trophy.

 

For now, the premiership cup sits in the cabinet. But the message is clear: dynasties must be rebuilt, and the next chapter begins with a reshuffle.