As the club looks to the future, fans will be excited to see how the Roosters evolve and which new players step up to fill the void in this new phase.
The Sydney Roosters have officially confirmed the departure of several key
players, marking the end of an era for the iconic NRL club. In a move that has
sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, Joey Manu, Joseph
Suaalii, Luke Keary, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves will all be leaving the club
at the conclusion of the 2025 season. This major shake-up represents a new
chapter for the Roosters, who will now face the challenge of filling the gaps left
by these experienced and high-profile players.
The Departure of Joey Manu.
Joey Manu, one of the NRL’s most dynamic and versatile players, has been a
central figure for the Roosters for several years. Known for his incredible
footwork, speed, and ability to break through defensive lines, Manu has earned
a reputation as one of the league’s best centers. His departure will leave a
significant hole in the Roosters’ backline. With his combination of attacking
flair and defensive solidity, Manu has been a game-changer for the club, and
his absence will surely be felt both on and off the field.
However, the Roosters’ move to allow Manu to explore new opportunities is
part of a broader strategy to manage player contracts and cap space. While it’s
disappointing to lose such a talismanic figure, the club is confident that it can
develop new talent and recruit replacements who can fill the void left by the
star center. The Roosters’ youth development system has been one of the most
successful in the NRL, and they will look to continue that trend by nurturing
the next generation of players to step into big shoes.
Joseph Suaalii’s High-Profile Move.
Arguably one of the most talked-about departures in recent NRL history,
Joseph Suaalii’s exit from the Roosters is a huge blow to the club. Suaalii, who
burst onto the scene as one of rugby league’s brightest young talents, has been
a standout for the Roosters since his arrival. His impressive physique, speed,
and agility have made him one of the league’s most dangerous wingers, and his
presence on the field will be sorely missed.
His move to rugby union has sparked considerable discussion, with Suaalii
signing a multi-million dollar contract with Rugby Australia. The Roosters
were unable to retain his services despite offering a substantial deal, as
Suaalii’s ambitions extended beyond rugby league. While many fans are
disappointed to see such a young and promising talent leave the game, the
Roosters will need to adjust their playing style to accommodate his absence.
The club’s ability to adapt and maintain its competitiveness in the face of such
a departure will be key to their success in the future.
Luke Keary’s Leadership Void.
Veteran playmaker Luke Keary’s decision to leave the Roosters is another
major change for the club. Keary has been a cornerstone of the team’s success,
with his leadership, game management, and clutch kicking ability playing a
crucial role in the Roosters’ premiership victories. Over the years, Keary’s
partnership with fellow playmaker James Tedesco has been central to the
club’s offensive play, and his departure will leave a significant leadership void
on and off the field.
Keary has been a constant in the Roosters’ spine, and his influence on the
club’s attacking structure cannot be overstated. His ability to dictate the pace
of the game and make key decisions under pressure has set him apart as one of
the best halfbacks in the NRL. With Keary moving on, the Roosters will now
have to look to their younger halves and recruit new talent to fill the role of
chief playmaker. The challenge will be to find someone who can replicate
Keary’s creativity, tactical awareness, and leadership qualities.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ End of an Era.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, a towering presence in the Roosters’ forward pack,
will also be leaving the club. A physical and aggressive front-rower, Waerea-
Hargreaves has been a mainstay of the Roosters’ success for over a decade.
Known for his no-nonsense approach to the game, his ability to dominate in
the middle of the field, and his leadership in the forward pack, Waerea-
Hargreaves has been one of the club’s most respected figures.
With his departure, the Roosters will need to find a new enforcer in the middle
of the park. Waerea-Hargreaves’ intensity and experience have been
invaluable to the team, and his leadership in tough matches will be difficult to
replace. However, the Roosters have a history of developing tough, resilient
forwards, and the expectation is that they will again find ways to fill this key
position with new talent.
A New Era for the Roosters.
While the loss of these key players represents a significant challenge for the
Roosters, the club’s management is confident that it has the depth and
resources to rebuild and remain competitive. The Roosters’ focus will shift to
integrating younger players into the squad, developing future stars, and
making strategic moves in the transfer market.
The departures also highlight the ever-changing landscape of professional
rugby league. Clubs must constantly adapt to the realities of player
movements, salary cap constraints, and the evolving ambitions of individual
players. The Roosters are a club with a proud history of success, and while the
2025 season will undoubtedly be a time of transition, they remain one of the
most powerful brands in the NRL, with a bright future ahead.
As the club moves forward, fans will be eager to see how the Roosters reinvent
themselves and what new talent will emerge to take their place in this next
chapter.
