SPENCER FOR HIRE - Firebrand Leniu poised to join Eels

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

Parramatta Eels are set to sign forward Spencer Leniu from the Sydney Roosters after his finals commitments, while the Roosters plan to add prop Braden Uele from the Cronulla Sharks on a one-year deal. These moves come amid several key player departures from the Roosters and are expected to strengthen Parramatta’s relatively young squad heading into the next NRL season.

Parramatta Eels are poised to finalize the signing of Spencer Leniu from the Sydney Roosters once his finals commitments with the Bondi club conclude. The move follows months of negotiations and is expected to see the forward join Parramatta for the next NRL season despite having a year remaining on his Roosters contract.

Concurrently, the Roosters are preparing to bolster their forward pack by signing Cronulla Sharks prop Braden Uele on a one-year deal. Uele, currently without a contract for the coming season, would become only the second free-agent acquisition by the Roosters following last year’s signing of Manly outside back Reuben Garrick.

Leniu’s anticipated departure adds to a notable list of players leaving the Roosters at the end of the current campaign. Among them are Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who are both switching to rugby union, and Jarome Luai, Leniu’s former Penrith premiership-winning teammate, who is also headed to Parramatta. The arrivals of Leniu, Luai, and fellow Samoan international Jaydn Su’A are expected to inject valuable experience into a relatively young Eels lineup.

Leniu’s discipline has recently come under scrutiny. In a match against South Sydney last Friday, he conceded a penalty for throwing the ball away and confrontational behavior towards Rabbitohs player Keaon Koloamatangi, despite having earned a six-again call. Following this incident, Leniu was substituted in the 31st minute and did not return to the field. His status as one of the more senior players was highlighted in a Roosters side resting ten regulars.

Braden Uele has had a more subdued season. Though he featured in two of Cronulla’s first four games, he was absent from first-grade selections until returning in round 23. The 31-year-old forward has largely played in the NSW Cup this year and was omitted from Cronulla’s squad for their elimination final against North Queensland at Allianz Stadium. Uele has represented both New Zealand and Samoa at the international level and has been a consistent presence in the Sharks’ forward pack in previous seasons.

These roster changes are set to reshape the dynamics of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NRL season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.