Sydney Roosters Target Origin Stars to Strengthen Squad
The Sydney Roosters are reportedly making moves to bolster their squad as they look to replace two key players who are set to move to rugby. Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton are expected to join the rival code after this season, with aspirations of representing the Wallabies in the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.
This development has prompted the Tri Colours to explore potential replacements, with a focus on star players from the Penrith Panthers and North Queensland Cowboys. Among those under consideration are Murray Taulagi, a winger for the Cowboys and the Maroons, and Liam Martin, an NSW Origin forward from the Panthers.
Liam Martin is currently contracted with the Panthers until the end of 2027, but the club is facing a salary cap crunch that could create opportunities for other teams to make a move. Martin has been a consistent presence for both the Blues and Kangaroos in recent years, but he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from November unless he extends his contract with the Panthers before then.
The Panthers may struggle to match the financial offers from rival clubs such as the Roosters, Perth Bears, and the PNG Chiefs, who are set to enter the NRL in 2028. Reports suggest that Martin is open to the idea of moving to PNG, with his teammate Mitch Kenny reportedly close to agreeing a deal with the Chiefs. However, fresh reports indicate that the Roosters are also interested in luring Martin to Bondi, given the departures of Nawaqanitawase and Crichton have created more salary cap space.
Veteran winger Daniel Tupou and skipper James Tedesco are also nearing the end of their NRL careers, which could provide the Roosters with significant financial resources to invest in new talent. Emerging edge forward Siua Wong has reportedly re-signed with the Roosters, though the club has yet to confirm the details of his new deal.
Potential Additions to the Roosters’ Roster
Trent Robinson, the Roosters’ coach, is eager to strengthen the team’s forward pack, and Martin would be a valuable addition. His experience as a rep player and his role as a replacement for Crichton in the back row make him an attractive target.
In addition to Martin, the Roosters have also been linked with off-contract Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi. The Maroons winger has started the season strongly, scoring six tries in five games for the resurgent Cowboys. However, the club has not yet offered him a new deal beyond this season, and contract talks have been pushed back to next month.
The Roosters could view Taulagi as a potential replacement for Nawaqanitawase next season or for Tupou when he retires. Robinson’s side has already added Tommy Talau and Cody Ramsey in the off-season, and Reuben Garrick is set to join from Manly next year to enhance the depth of the backline.
Adding Taulagi would provide the Roosters with another experienced option in what is expected to be a new-look backline in 2027. Taulagi has played eight games for the Maroons and was part of their 2024 Origin series victory. However, he was ruled out of Game 1 due to injury and was overlooked by Billy Slater for the remainder of the series as the Maroons secured back-to-back series wins.
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