ROBINSON TO DEPART ROOSTERS IN 2026 DESPITE LONG-TERM DEAL
Sydney Roosters head coach Trent Robinson has officially confirmed his departure from the foundation club at the end of the 2026 season, stunning fans despite being signed through to 2028.
In a surprise announcement made to the media on Friday, the longest-serving coach in the Roosters’ 114-year history revealed he had reached a mutual agreement with the club to bring his tenure to a close two years early. Robinson, who joined the Tricolours in 2013, described the decision as “the right time for both myself and the club to embark on new chapters.”
“It has been the greatest honour of my professional life to lead this incredible club,” Robinson said. “The Roosters are in my DNA, and while I am committed to seeing out the next two seasons and delivering success, we have agreed that 2026 will be my final year at the helm. This gives the club time to plan for the future, and me the space to consider my next steps.”
Robinson’s reign has been one of unparalleled success, cementing his legacy as one of the NRL’s greatest coaches. He has guided the Roosters to three NRL Premierships (2013, 2018, 2019), four Minor Premierships, three World Club Challenge titles, and a Dally M Coach of the Year award. Under his leadership, the club has become a dominant force in the modern era, with consistent finals appearances and a reputation for strategic team building that has nurtured blue-chip talent including Joey Manu, Latrell Mitchell, and Lindsay Collins.
Roosters chairman Nick Politis AM paid tribute to Robinson’s contribution, describing him as “a visionary leader who has transformed our club.” “Trent has not only delivered on-field success but has also built a culture of excellence that will endure long after he leaves,” Politis said. “We respect his decision and will work closely with him over the next two seasons to ensure a smooth transition and continue our pursuit of silverware.”
The news comes amid a period of transition for the Roosters, who recently lost key players including Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, while securing star recruit Reece Robson for 2026. Robinson has vowed to focus on the task at hand, with the club targeting a fourth premiership under his guidance before his departure.
