The Sydney Roosters are looking for an experienced playmaker to take Luke Keary’s place, but Trent Robinson has acknowledged that it is unlikely that one will come available.
The Roosters’ plans for the upcoming season have been derailed by Keary’s unexpected retirement decision, as nearly 1000 games of talent are now expected to depart the NRL team at the end of the season.
Though both Sam Walker and Sandon Smith are still only 21 years old, Robinson sees them as the Roosters’ long-term partners.
A plethora of young players are also emerging from the club, notably the highly regarded Toby Rodwell, who shone in the U19s SG Ball this year.
Robinson has stated that the Roosters are eager to acquire an experienced playmaker to aid in the process, but he is happy to pair Walker and Smith if necessary in the upcoming season.
If the player is correct, it would be great, Robinson remarked.
“If it’s not, we won’t present someone who isn’t of the highest caliber to Sandon.
“If we believe someone has a lot of experience and can accomplish that, then absolutely. However, May is here. Most of the time, they are all signed for the upcoming year. That makes it challenging.
Luke, who was thirty years old, assisted Teddy in navigating the ship. That is somewhat discarded in terms of age.
However, we also have a lot of faith in Sandon. Thus, if we must leave,
Although Shaun Johnson and Kieran Foran have expiring contracts, it is unlikely that they will sign with another team if they continue to play.
Ben Hunt would have like to go back to Queensland, but he has already campaigned for his release from St George Illawarra.
Robinson did rule out a bid for Lachlan Ilias, the South Sydney halfback, who is comparable to Walker in age and experience but is free to negotiate.
Despite Walker’s potential as a Brisbane target in 2026, Robinson is optimistic that the Queensland youngster will stay with the Roosters for the long run.
As Robinson also believes, Broncos coach Kevin Walters stated on Thursday that he doubted Walker leaving the Roosters to take Adam Reynolds’ place in 2026.
Robinson remarked, “Sam and I have been very transparent.”
“With Sam, we’ve been on this journey for four years. He is and will continue to be our long-term partner, as we have made very clear.
And for us, that plan hasn’t altered. And it hasn’t altered for Sam, as far as I’m aware.”
Robinson stated that the team has recruitment goals and would not rule out a bid for Broncos center Selwyn Cobbo in 2026, given that they have about $4 million remaining in their salary cap.
More immediately, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, a seasoned forward, will miss Friday’s match against Brisbane due to a calf strain.
Victor Radley will not return this week from his knee injury, and winger Daniel Tupou’s comeback has been postponed.
