NRL signing news 2021: James Roberts leaves South Sydney, Roosters keen on Keighran
James Roberts has walked away from his big South Sydney contract, as the Roosters lock in on Warriors playmaker.
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It’s official – James Roberts has left the Rabbitohs.
The career of one of the NRL’s most explosive yet enigmatic attacking weapons is at a crossroads with Roberts walking away from the final year of his $550,000-a-season contract.
Roberts’ management is said to have been on the lookout for a new home but it remains unclear if any rivals have shown genuine interest at this stage.
It is understood Newcastle and Canterbury are two clubs not entertaining signing Roberts at this point.
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Roberts, 27, hasn’t played since suffering a pectoral injury earlier in the season.
He also checked himself into a mental health facility this year to help with personal issues reportedly related to anxiety and depression.
Rival clubs are understandably wary to gamble on his enormous talent given his off-field history that has troubled his career to this point.
Meanwhile the Roosters look set to bolster their playmaking depth following the departure of Kyle Flanagan.
As revealed by The Daily Telegraph last month the Roosters have their eye on Warriors utility Adam Keighran.
Keighran, who played three games in the centres for the Warriors in 2020 and six the season before mixing his time between the halves and as a bench utility, would fill the Roosters’ need for a goalkicker should he be able to win a place in the team.
PANTHERS SHOCK AS MANSOUR ON THE MOVE
Seventy two hours after their heartbreaking grand final loss, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary sat down with cult hero Josh Mansour and told him he had lost his spot in the Panthers team for next season.
Mansour is now on the lookout for a new home, with three rival clubs already showing interest in the 30-year-old.
Despite having a year remaining on his $500,000-a-season contract, Mansour has likely played his final game at Penrith, the club he affectionately refers to as his “second home”.
During a meeting with Cleary and head of football Matt Cameron, Mansour was told that he would not start next season in first grade, and that 20-year-old rookie Charlie Staines would be given first crack at his left wing position.
Mansour was stunned. It was the first time he had been made aware his starting spot was under threat.
This was the player who, in 2014, knocked back the chance to double his salary and join Canberra, in order to stay at Penrith.
He is also the players’ unofficial cultural ambassador, upholding their standards and driving team camaraderie as an extremely popular member of the team.
With captain James Tamou leaving to join the Tigers next season, the Panthers risk being left dangerously short of experience by ushering the 158-game veteran out the door.
Already three rival sides, looking to add skill and experience to their rosters, have shown keen interest in Mansour, who made his NRL debut for Penrith in 2012.
The Panthers are willing to grant him the former NSW Blues and Kangaroos flyer a release if a new club can be found in the coming months.
Melbourne are actively seeking a like-for-like replacement for winger Josh Addo-Carr, who is seeking a release from his Storm deal to join a Sydney outfit for family reasons.
But at this stage Mansour is not on Melbourne’s recruitment radar.
With Canterbury also expected to table a two-year, $800,000 deal for rising Panthers playmaker Matt Burton, that effectively puts the Bulldogs out of the race for Mansour’s signature.
Following a number of serious injuries, including horrific facial fractures and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, Mansour enjoyed a stellar season on Penrith’s left side.
He averaged 181 metres per game, made 21 linebreaks, 69 tackle busts and scored 12 tries.
His experience was also a key in boom centre Stephen Crichton’s dramatic rise as Penrith set a club record 17-game winning streak on their way to the grand final.
Leading into the NRL grand final, Mansour told The Daily Telegraph: “I’ve been here for nine years. I’m so in love with this place, it’s my second home. I love all the values it stands for.”
In August, Staines thumbed his nose at an extension tabled by the Panthers and was given permission to test the market.
After initially putting the Panthers off-side, Staines re-signed with the club until the end of season 2023.
The rookie burst onto the scene in July after scoring six tries in just two games, four of which came during a blistering NRL debut against the Cronulla Sharks in round nine.
Elsewhere, journeyman outside back Michael Oldfield is set to sign a deal to join the Parramatta Eels.
Oldfield joined the Canberra Raiders in season 2017 and played 24 games for the club.
—Fatima Kdouh
The NRL’s silly season is in full swing. The November 1 deadline has lifted, meaning rival clubs can talk to players coming off contract next season, while recruitment chiefs are still trying to finalise their rosters for 2021.
We look at who every club is trying to sign — and re-sign — as the off-season heats up.
KNIGHTS
Retention targets: Knights coach Adam O’Brien wants to make a priority of No. 7 Mitchell Pearce, although his $1 million contract could prove a sticking point given the club also has the likes of Kurt Mann, Phoenix Crossland and Tex Hoy coming off contract in 2021.
Recruitment targets: Have already landed a big one in NSW Origin forward Tyson Frizell, who will give the Knights pack a huge boost next season.
Verdict: At full strength, will have a strong side for 2021. But as for how things alter beyond that? Much will depend on what happens with Pearce and, if re-signed, how many zeros come at the end of his new deal.
— NW
PANTHERS
Retention targets: Plenty. Breakout centre Stephen Crichton is an obvious priority and by all reports, as good as secured for the next couple of years. Elsewhere, the club is also confident of keeping lock Isaah Yeo, who is considered a 2021 captaincy candidate. Elsewhere, the NRL grand finalists may have to choose between young playmakers Jarome Luai and Matt Burton.
Recruitment targets: Penrith have snapped up former Panthers Robert Jennings and Matt Eisenhuth from the Wests Tigers to bolster their depth for next season. Will continue to develop from within.
Verdict: Already TAB premiership favourites for 2021, and with good reason. Obviously the Panthers will lose a couple of young stars – given the size and success of their nursery, it happens. Yet the key, as always, is choosing the correct ones to keep. — NW
WESTS TIGERS
Retention targets: Winger Dave Nofoaluma is coming off contract in 2021 and, undoubtedly, a priority for coach Michael Maguire. Another is promising prop Josh Aloiai, who should be recovered from a serious knee injury by Round 1. Other retention targets include forwards Thomas Mikaele and Zane Musgrove
Recruitment targets: Josh Addo-Carr is the obvious one, with Wests Tigers keen to bring the Melbourne premiership flyer back to the club next year. Elsewhere, the joint-venture club is also expecting big things from towering Parramatta young gun Stefano Utoikamanu.
Verdict: Would love to land another big name recruit for 2021, with Foxx the key target. Boast a promising young pack but need to find stability, particularly in the halves. — NW
EELS
Retention targets: Nathan Brown and Maika Sivo loom as the high profile Eels off-contract. Sivo will be in line for an upgrade while Brown is now in the Origin squad. Blake Ferguson needs a total reverse in form for the Eels to consider offering him an extension while Daniel Alvaro is unlikely to be re-signed.
Recruitment targets: Still have five spots to fill. Are in discussions about retaining Will Smith and close to signing Warriors hooker Nathaniel Roache to a development contract. Huge uncertainty surrounds Michael Jennings ’ place at the club because of a looming drug ban which leaves a big void. Will be in the market for a strike centre for 2022 including Brent Naden, Braidon Burns, Kotoni Staggs or Dylan Walker.
Verdict: Have lost a lot of depth from the middle-to-bottom tier of their roster. The likes of Kane Evans Stefano Utoikamanu, David Gower, Peni Terepo, Jai Field, Andrew Davey and Brad Takairangi have moved on. Isaiah Papali’i is a welcome addition but still need to jag a few players .— MC
BULLDOGS
Retention targets: The Bulldogs stellar off-season continues with the club securing 20-year-old local product Jake Averillo until the end of 2023. New coach Trent Barrett wants to have a look at the likes of Dean Britt, Lachie Lewis, Jeremy Marshall-King and Nick Meaney before a decision is made on their futures. Dylan Napa is also off-contract.
Recruitment targets: Still not done for 2021 yet with a handful of spots open. Matt Burton is their top priority but a 2022 arrival seems more probable. Still working through Blake Green’s situation but may look to sign a stopgap one-year contract with an experienced half if Green stays in Newcastle. Outside of Burton, hooker remains their priority for 2022 while Reimis Smith could be on the move too heading into next year which makes Josh Addo-Carr in play.
Verdict: Some good additions in Kyle Flanagan, Nick Cotric and Jack Hetherington to go with a full season from Luke Thompson. Still two class players away from pushing for a top eight spot but after years of uncertainty are finally headed in the right direction. — MC
DRAGONS
Retention targets: Incoming coach Anthony Griffin will have a bit of freedom in the cap come 2022. Corey Norman is at long odds to be re-signed while the likes of Trent Merrin, Korbin Sims, Jordan Pereira will be battling for extensions. Matt Dufty is off-contract and will be a priority while Paul Vaughan has a player option in his favour but was underwhelming in his performances this year. Skipper Cameron McIness is also off-contract.
Recruitment targets: Have four spots to fill and a fair bit of money to play with. Their roster will be shaped by the outcome of Jack de Belin’s court case in November. Have made no secret of their desire to land an experienced forward with the likes of Josh McGuire mentioned. Jack Bird looms as the most likely first signing as a centre/back-rower. Will sit back and wait knowing teams need to make space and they are one of the few who have spare cash.
Verdict : Really need to add some players. Liking their strategy of not rushing but if they are any hope of returning to the finals they need to secure two strike forwards and an outside back to join the smart recruitment of Poasa Faamausili. — MC
WARRIORS
Retention targets: A few players returning from injury including Bunty Afoa and Leeson Ah Mau are off-contract. Their no. 1 target will be retaining Tohu Harris and ensuring Roger Tuivasa-Sheck does not defect to rugby. Josh Curran, Jackson Frei, Karl Lawton, Hayze Perham, Adam Pompey and Jazz Tevaga are all off-contract and fighting for their futures.
Recruitment targets: Have just one spot left in their roster and still have a little bit of money to play with. Among the most active clubs in the off-season adding Euan Aitken, Kane Evans, Addin Fonua-Blake and Ben Murdoch-Masila. On the lookout for another back-rower.
Verdict: Great finish to the season will give the Warriors hope given the quality they have added to their roster. Would love to jag a high quality half and hooker to make them a premiership threat. — MC
MELBOURNE STORM
Retention targets: Ricky Leutele (2020), Cooper Johns (2020), Jahrome Hughes (2021), Isaac Lumelume (2021) are the key names. Late-season recruit Leutele is contracted with Toronto Wolfpack but should the Super League outfit not be able to compete next year, due to financial pressures and COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Storm would be very keen to retain the 2016 Cronulla Sharks premiership winner. Developing playmaker and brilliant clubman Johns remains in the frame for an extension. Hughes and Lumelume still have a season to run on current contracts but Storm has a habit of future-proofing its talent ahead of time.
Recruitment targets: Ex-Eels winger George Jennings will be at the club next season on a two-year deal. With inexperienced Lumelume the leading contender to fill one of the wing vacancies, Storm remains keen to secure a second high-class finisher as the replacement for Josh Addo-Carr. Storm has 31 on its list for 2021 currently but that includes the captain Cameron Smith and Addo-Carr.
Verdict: Lather, rinse, repeat. Storm will be a contender again next season. It says a bit about the club and its development practices when the probable retirement of arguably the greatest ever in Smith is not so much feared but somewhat needed to retain ready-made successors in Brandon Smith (2022) and Harry Grant (2022).
— GG
CRONULLA SHARKS
Retention targets: After breakout seasons in 2020, off-contract forwards Siosifa Talakai and Toby Rudolf are priority signings for Cronulla. If — and how much for — the Sharks re-sign Shaun Johnson after he suffered a major achilles injury will be one of the biggest questions for incoming Sharks GM Darren Mooney. On the Sharks Dally M leaderboard, Aaron Woods polled third behind Johnson and Talakai after playing all 21 games. Watch for negotiations to begin with the off-contract Woods, while talented utility Connor Tracey won’t be off contract for long either. The futures of Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan, Will Kennedy and Billy Magoulias will be determined by April-May next year.
Recruitment targets: The Sharks are poised to sign Bulldogs prop-forward Aiden Tolman on a one-year deal. The 31-year-old, who has played 276 games, will join local junior Luke Metcalf — who returns after a stint with Manly and who has the ability to play half or fullback — as the club’s only major off-season signings. Without another dummy-half in the club, the Sharks desperately need a back-up hooker to support rising star Blayke Brailey. Unless they are able to move a major player from their current cap, any other recruits for the Sharks will be in the lower $100,000 to $150,000 bracket.
Verdict: Boast a talented roster on paper with their growth and experience of this season likely to aid the development of several promising debutants. Ultimately though, 2021 shapes as more of the same from the Sharks given their inability to make any major roster moves.
— DR
CANBERRA RAIDERS
Retention targets: Young forwards Emre Guler and Hudson Young headline the priority signatures as the Raiders prepare for life after John Bateman. Prop Dunamis Lui, whose form earned a Queensland State of Origin call-up, and breakout Fijian winger Semi Valemei are also coming off contract next season.
Recruitment targets: After bringing in Penrith flyer Caleb Aekins and Gold Coast veteran Ryan James, Canberra are content with the make-up of their squad. There’s some talk that Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad might be moved from fullback to wing or centre following Aekins’ arrival.
Verdict: Bateman and winger Nick Cotric have gone but Canberra officials are more than happy with the make-up of their squad. Corey Harawira-Naera proved an astute mid-season purchase while star hooker Josh Hodgson will return from a serious knee injury that wiped out the second half of his 2020 season. The premiership window open remains open for the Raiders.
— DR
RABBITOHS
Retention targets: A couple of big ‘uns in halfback Adam Reynolds and fullback Latrell Mitchell, the latter of whom becomes more crucial if rising star Joseph Suaalii quits the club as expected. Mitchell was strong in his first season at fullback – a position, coincidentally, Souths officials have long thought would be filled by Suaalii.
Recruitment targets: Have already secured Queensland Origin forward Jai Arrow and have expressed interest in Josh Addo-Carr. Breakout fullback Corey Allan could be granted a release if another club comes calling, while James Roberts’ tenure at Souths looks over. The Rabbitohs are working at trying to retain a host of players whose deals expire after 2021 – among them Reynolds, Mitchell, Braidon Burns and Dane Gagai.
Verdict: Finished one game short of a grand final this year despite a couple of key injuries, most notably Mitchell. Will be right in the mix again for 2021.
— NW
ROOSTERS
Retention targets: James Tedesco is the obvious one, with the NSW Origin full-back’s camp currently working through with Roosters officials the length of a deal that will be worth roughly $1 million per year plus drinking silver. Early tip is to re-sign for another three years.
Recruitment targets: Schoolboy sensation Joseph Suaalii. Say what you like about the Roosters – plenty do – but this joint does a better job of getting its man than Dog the Bounty Hunter. If Suaalii signs however, somebody may eventually have to make room. Could be backrower Angus Crichton, despite an outstanding back end to the year for the NSW Origin incumbent.
Verdict: As always, have a squad capable of winning the 2021 premiership. There will, however, be question marks placed over young halfback contenders Lachie Lam and Sam Walker. As the early departure of Kyle Flanagan proved, you win or you walk.
— NW
MORE RECRUITMENT NEWS
Bulldogs secure rookie of the year
Knight’s shock exit, ex-Bronco joins Wayne Bennett at Souths
BRONCOS
Retention targets: Thomas Dearden, Xavier Coates, Anthony Milford and Kotoni Staggs are the priority re-signing targets.
Ben Te’o could also be retained for another season to maintain some experience in the squad. Jack Bird has been linked with a move to the Dragons, as has Joe Ofahengaue, as the club looks to free up cash while Matt Lodge could be off to the Warriors.
Recruitment targets: With the departure of David Fifita (Titans) and no contract renewals for Jamil Hopoate or Rhys Kennedy as of yet, the Brisbane forward pack is beginning to get a bit light on. Former Cowboy John Asiata is on Brisbane’s radar while hooker Andrew McCullough returns after a stint with Newcastle.
Verdict: New coach Kevin Walters has already conceded changes will need to be made to the roster following the club’s woeful 2020 season. With about eight spots left to fill in their top 30 roster, expect a lot of changes at Red Hill this off-season.
— CH
TITANS
Retention targets: Ash Taylor and Tyrone Peachey both had strong finishes to the 2020 season and that could see them extend their stay on the Gold Coast beyond next year.
Brian Kelly – who won the Titans Paul Broughton best and fairest medal this year – is another retention target for the club. The club is hoping to get a bit more experience from the rest of their off-contract players and will likely assess their futures next year.
Recruitment targets: The Titans are light on hookers following Nathan Peats’ departure. They’ve made no secret of the fact they would love to have the services of Melbourne great Cameron Smith next year, while fellow Storm hookers Brandon Smith and Harry Grant have also been mentioned.
Verdict: Justin Holbrook’s roster revamp is well and truly underway, having already landed gun forwards David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Herman Ese’ese along with Warriors back Patrick Herbert.
— CH
COWBOYS
Retention targets: Scott Drinkwater was one of North Queensland’s best in 2020 and shapes as a key signing. Meanwhile, fellow half Jake Clifford’s management has reportedly asked for a release from the final year of his contract. While the Cowboys currently expect Clifford to play in 2021, Newcastle are reportedly keen on his services.
Recruitment targets: Veteran Benji Marshall could reunite with ex-Tigers teammate and new Cowboys coach Todd Payten as he looks to continue his NRL career, but that scenario only looks possible if the club lose one of their halves. Rising Penrith star Matt Burton has also been linked to the Cowboys – among many clubs. Former Warrior Lachlan Burr arrives as Payten’s first signing.
Verdict: North Queensland has undergone a complete revamp of their coaching and footballing staff and the new appointees are still working through the club’s roster.
The club has already done well in already securing their stars long-term, in Jason Taumalolo, Michael Morgan and Valentine Holmes, but with nearly a dozen players off contract at the end of 2021, they will need to be quick to hold on to their homegrown talent.
— CH
SEA EAGLES
Retention targets: Manly has a settled playing roster for next season but will re-evaluate after 2021 with Kieran Foran, Tevita Funa, Reuben Garrick, Jack Gosiewski, Brad Parker, Toafofoa Sipley, Curtis Sironen, Jorge Taufua and Dylan Walker coming off contract.
Recruitment targets: Manly may look at securing a hooker after Danny Levi was told he wasn’t required next season. Coach Des Hasler may look internally with Cade Cust, Lachlan Croker and Foran his dummy half options. Manly has forward depth but overcoming the loss of Addin Fonua-Blake will be difficult. Foran will be Manly’s only significant signing for 2021.
Verdict: Manly was tipped to play finals this year but fell apart, winning just seven of 20 games. While not using a horrid injury toll as an excuse, Hasler is adamant he has a finals roster with some overdue luck. Manly’s big three – Tom and Jake Trbojevic along with Daly Cherry-Evans – prevent the club targeting another big name.
— DR
Originally published as NRL signing news 2021: James Roberts leaves South Sydney, Roosters keen on Keighran