roosters coach trent robinson makes devastating announcement: seven key players to depart
sydney roosters head coach trent robinson has confirmed the departure of seven key players following the team’s preliminary final loss to the melbourne storm. this announcement marks the end of an era for the club, as some of its most influential figures move on, either to other teams or retirement.
the departing players
the players set to leave the roosters are joseph manu, joseph suaalii, sitili tupouniua, jared waerea-hargreaves, luke keary, dylan napa, and michael jennings. while some of these exits were expected, others have come as a shock to both fans and analysts alike.
joseph manu – the star centre is heading to rugby union, signing a lucrative contract overseas. his departure is a significant blow for the roosters, given his versatility and game-breaking ability.
joseph suaalii – suaalii is another player making the switch to rugby union, having already signed a deal with rugby australia. his talent and potential made him one of the most exciting prospects in the nrl, and his loss will be felt deeply.
sitili tupouniua – the powerful second-rower has decided to seek opportunities elsewhere, looking for a fresh start in his career.
jared waerea-hargreaves – a roosters legend, waerea-hargreaves will retire from the nrl after a decorated career. his leadership and toughness have defined the roosters’ forward pack for over a decade.
luke keary – another massive loss, keary has been a key playmaker for the roosters and a crucial part of their success in recent years. his retirement leaves a huge gap in the halves.
dylan napa – the former queensland maroons forward is also stepping away from professional rugby league, calling time on his career.
michael jennings – jennings’ future remains uncertain, but he is not expected to continue playing at the top level.
robinson’s reaction and the impact on the team
speaking about the departures, robinson paid tribute to the contributions of each player, highlighting their role in the club’s history.
“there’s guys that have impacted the club in the right way as much as any guys over the course of 116 years,” robinson said. “those guys have had a big impact on the history of our club and jersey. we’re really proud of where our club is.”
the loss of so many experienced players will create a leadership void within the team. waerea-hargreaves, keary, and manu have all been instrumental in guiding the younger players, and their absence will force others to step up.
rebuilding for the future
while the departures are a significant setback, the roosters are known for their ability to rebuild and stay competitive. the club has already been linked with several key signings, and their strong junior development system will be crucial in replacing the outgoing stars.
young talents like sam walker, joseph aukuso-suaalii (before his departure), and angus crichton will now have to take on greater responsibility. the roosters’ recruitment team will also be looking to secure new signings to fill the gaps left by the departing stars.
what’s next for the roosters?
with the 2025 season approaching, the focus now shifts to how the roosters will adjust to these massive changes. robinson and his coaching staff will need to reshape the squad and ensure that the team remains a contender for the premiership.
the club’s management will likely be active in the player market, looking for experienced replacements or promoting from within. while losing seven key players is a daunting challenge, the roosters have a history of resilience and rebuilding successfully.
final thoughts
the departures of manu, suaalii, waerea-hargreaves, keary, and others mark the end of an era for the roosters. however, under robinson’s leadership, the club will be determined to maintain its status as a powerhouse in the nrl.
only time will tell how the team responds to this significant transition, but one thing is certain—roosters fans are in for an interesting and potentially transformative season ahead.
