The Sydney Roosters have dismissed recent speculation regarding an attempt to sign Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary for the 2027 season. Cleary officially became a free agent for 2028 on Sunday, prompting rumors linking him with a possible move to the Roosters. However, club officials have firmly denied any interest in pursuing the playmaker.
Rumors intensified following the Roosters’ decision to withdraw a substantial contract offer for fellow halfback Sam Walker last week. Despite Walker’s anticipated departure, the Roosters are confident in their internal options to fill the halfback role, entrusting 20-year-old Toby Rodwell to step up when Walker leaves. Rodwell is currently contracted with the club through the end of 2027. In addition, the club is investing in promising talent Carter Mareko, the 18-year-old who earned the SG Ball (under-19s) Player of the Year award this season.
Meanwhile, negotiations between Cleary, his management team led by George Mimis, and Penrith have yet to yield a new contract agreement. Discussions are expected to continue this week as the parties seek resolution.
While the Roosters have ruled out pursuing Cleary, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Hunters remain reportedly interested. In a separate development, the Perth-based club has tabled a lucrative five-year contract offer for Canterbury Bulldogs’ Matt Burton, another player whose current deal expires after the 2027 season. Sources suggest Canterbury could consider granting Burton an early release for 2027, potentially freeing salary cap space to retain Walker.
In other rugby league news, Manly Sea Eagles forward Ronaldo Mulitalo is eligible to play in the Rugby League World Cup final if New Zealand advances. Mulitalo and Fiji’s Brandon Wakeham were both cited by the match review committee following send-offs in a pool-stage game at Cubs Stadium on Saturday. Mulitalo was sent off for a high tackle and faces a one-match suspension unless he enters an early guilty plea, which would see him miss an upcoming semi-final. Wakeham, who responded by striking Mulitalo, faces a more severe penalty compounded by Fiji’s elimination, resulting in Manly being without the player at the start of the 2027 season.
In the women's tournament, the Jillaroos produced a commanding 124-6 victory over Wales on Sunday, marking their largest international winning margin. The win ended Wales’ campaign in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup and reinforced Australia’s dominance in the competition.