Sydney Roosters have confirmed the departures of five players after being eliminated from the 2025 NRL Finals

Two of the five players farewelled remain unsigned for next season.

The Sydney Roosters have confirmed the departures of five players after being eliminated from the 2025 NRL Finals last week by the Cronulla Sharks.

While it was already confirmed that Chad Townsend (retired), Ethan King (North Queensland Cowboys) and Ethan Roberts (Wests Tigers) would be departing the team at the end of 2025, the Roosters have now revealed that two others will be joining them.

The list of players farewelled includes Sandon Smith and Zach Dockar-Clay who have been linked to the Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles, respectively.

During the Roosters’ awards presentation night, it is understood that coach Trent Robinson confirmed that Sandon Smith would be joining assistant Justin Holbrook at the Knights.

SYDNEY ROOSTERS 2026 SQUAD 

Roosters Best 17 and Full Squad for 2026

1. James Tedesco

2. Mark Nawaqanitawase

3. Billy Smith

4. Robert Toia

5. Daniel Tupou

6. Hugo Savala (dev.)*

7. Sam Walker

8. Naufahu Whyte

9. Reece Robson

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Siua Wong

12. Angus Crichton

13. Victor Radley

Interchange

14. Connor Watson

15. Blake Steep

16. Egan Butcher

17. Spencer Leniu

Rest of squad

18. Salesi Foketi

19. Junior Pauga

20. Toby Rodwell

21. Xavier Va’a

22. De La Salle Va’a

23. Taylor Losalu

24. Nat Butcher

25. Jake Elliott

26. Benaiah Ioelu

27. Junior Tupou

28. No player signed.

29. No player signed.

30. No player signed.

2026 development list

1. Rex Bassingthwaighte

2. Reece Foley

3. Hugo Savala