In a flurry of pre-season activity, the NRL has seen major moves shaping up across multiple clubs, with the Sydney Roosters landing a marquee signing, the Perth Bears positioning themselves for a blockbuster acquisition, and star players exploring new paths.
Roosters land Manly star Reuben Garrick
The Sydney Roosters have officially confirmed the signing of Manly Sea Eagles’ standout fullback, Reuben Garrick, on a long-term deal set to commence in 2027. The 28-year-old has agreed to a three-year contract after completing his current commitments with Manly through the end of the 2026 season.
“The Sydney Roosters have announced the signing of Reuben Garrick on a three-year deal commencing in 2027,” the Roosters said in a statement. “Garrick will join the Roosters ahead of the 2027 pre-season, with the club respecting his ongoing commitment to Manly in 2026, and wishing him well for the season.”
Garrick has been a prolific scorer for the Sea Eagles since making his debut in 2019, accumulating 89 tries and 492 goals, which equates to a remarkable 1,340 points across 157 games. His arrival at the Roosters will reunite him with former teammate and captain Daly Cherry-Evans, who signed a one-year deal with an option for a second. This pairing has fans anticipating a potent combination when the two line up together in 2027.
Bears’ strategic move in Tino Fa’asuamaleaui sweepstakes
Meanwhile, the Perth Bears have made a strategic play in the potential pursuit of Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui by securing his younger brother, Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui. According to Code Sports, Tino has been identified as a priority target by Mal Meninga and the Bears’ recruitment team.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has an option in his contract to depart at the end of the 2026 season, despite a multimillion-dollar contract reportedly worth around $1.2 million per year. With his brother Iszac set to join the Bears in 2027 after a season with Catalans Dragons in the Super League, the move could significantly influence Tino’s decision.
Iszac will join forces with Toby Sexton and English international Harry Newman at Perth, adding depth to the squad. The Bears are also closing in on Panthers prop Liam Henry and are heavily pursuing Storm utility Tyran Wishart, who is expected to tour their facilities soon.
Regarding Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s decision-making timeline, the Gold Coast skipper remains unhurried. He is set to make a call on his 2026 contract option toward the back end of the season. Mal Meninga’s prior experience with Tino in the Kangaroos setup could be a decisive factor in influencing the star forward’s next career step.
Ryan Papenhuyzen takes an unexpected hiatus
In another shock announcement, Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen revealed that he will not be returning to professional rugby league in 2026. The 27-year-old fullback made the surprising decision following the conclusion of the 2025 season, walking away from a lucrative contract worth over $900,000 per year.
Papenhuyzen had been heavily linked with the rebel rugby competition R360, which was anticipated to launch early in the New Year. However, the competition’s start date has now been postponed to 2028, prompting Papenhuyzen to reassess his immediate future in sport.
“I want to do something a bit different and throw myself into something I’m a bit uncomfortable with, and see if I enjoy that,” Papenhuyzen told Code Sports. “Life’s only short. If I’m my 80-year-old self right looking back right now, what’s something I would regret not doing? It’s probably taking a chance and not doing something else. That’s been the decision making process.”
He added, “Once (the R360 delay) came out, everyone said, ‘what are you going to do now?’ The plan was to have a year off and try a few different things. The plan doesn’t change for me, maybe more for Lomax.”
In his time away from the professional game, Papenhuyzen has focused on mentoring young athletes, assisting them with the mental challenges of elite-level sport. Despite stepping back, he remains supportive of the R360 initiative, describing the delay as “only a positive.”
“All my mates and family think I’ve signed something somewhere,” Papenhuyzen said. “I’m like, ‘I’m just not playing. I’ve been up in Sydney, I had a wedding in Wollongong the other day so everyone thought I’d signed with the Dragons. Until next year rolls around and I’m not at a team, that’s when everyone will probably believe me. It’s a circus right? I know I’ll miss it at some point, but I’m really enjoying this stuff now. I’ll use (next) year as a blank canvas and I might find another interest, and that could be the new career. I’ve been in rugby league for 10 years now, sport for 10 years … why not try something else and pivot? There’s always an option to come back.”
Dragons sign young playmaker Joseph O’Neill
The St George Illawarra Dragons have added emerging talent Joseph O’Neill to their roster, securing the 22-year-old on a development contract following his release from the Bulldogs. O’Neill boasts an impressive junior career, having won a Jersey Flegg premiership with Canterbury in 2023, and made his NSW Cup debut the same year, accumulating 42 reserve-grade appearances.
The Bulldogs confirmed O’Neill’s departure with a short statement: “The Bulldogs wish Joseph, and his family, all the best for the future.” Just two hours later, O’Neill’s arrival at the Dragons was officially confirmed, providing a boost to the Red V’s playmaking options.
“Joseph is talented, young player and we’re excited to be able to bring him to the Dragons,” said Shane Flanagan in a club statement. “He’s had plenty of success coming through the grades at the Bulldogs and is eager to continue to prove himself. He’s hard-working and he’s passionate about his footy. He provides us with some more valuable depth in the halves. It’ll be good for him to meet the rest of the squad and really hit the ground running this pre-season.”
As NRL clubs continue to maneuver ahead of the 2026 season, these transfers and signings underline the shifting dynamics across the league. From the Roosters’ strategic acquisition of a proven try-scorer in Garrick to the Bears’ calculated approach in securing family connections to entice Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the landscape of professional rugby league is evolving rapidly. Meanwhile, players like Papenhuyzen explore alternative life paths, and clubs like the Dragons invest in youth development, ensuring the next generation is ready to step into the spotlight.
The upcoming season promises to be full of intrigue, with big decisions yet to be made and several marquee names set to influence both club success and the broader narrative of the NRL.
