NRL transfer news: Sydney Roosters re-sign Sam Verrills and Sitili Tupouniua

By securing the signatures of two of the NRL’s most in-demand young stars, the Roosters have inadvertently escalated the race to land Melbourne grand final star Brandon Smith.

Sitili Tupouniua and Sam Verrills have re-signed with the Sydney Roosters for a further three seasons. Picture: Roosters Digital

The Sydney Roosters have sprung a huge pre-Christmas double surprise by locking down two of the NRL’s most in-demand young stars.

Outstanding dummy half Sam Verrills and rampaging back-rower Sitili Tupouniua have both committed to three-year extensions that will keep them at Bondi at least until the end of 2024.

Verrills, 21, was one of the game’s most sought-after players coming off contract at the end of next season and could have just about named his price on the open market.

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Sitili Tupouniua and Sam Verrills have re-signed with the Sydney Roosters.

You just have to look at the number of clubs clamouring for a crack at Brandon Smith to gauge the likely interest Verrills could have commanded.

But Verrills said the way the Roosters looked after him during his recovery from an ACL knee injury this year left him with no decision but to stay playing under Trent Robinson.

“I love being part of the team we have here, and I’m really excited to know that this is where I’ll continue to build my career,” Verrills said.

“The Roosters have taken really good care of me, especially this year with my injury.

“I’m learning so much from Robbo and the senior boys we have here, and I’m keen to keep working on getting back out there on the field and securing an opportunity to represent this club that means so much to me.”

It means Verrills will have to continue to play tag-team with co-captain Jake Friend for at least another season before cementing a permanent starting spot.

Brandon Smith’s stock just went up now that the Roosters have locked down Sam Verrills.

The Roosters deserve to be proud of Verrills’ development after he graduated through the club’s under 20s before making his NRL debut in 2019.

Tupouniua, 23, also came through the grades as a member of the premiership-winning 2014 SG Ball team that also included Nat Butcher and Joseph Manu.

He was also part of the 2016 premiership winning National Youth Competition side before making his NRL debut in 2018.

“I love the Roosters and I’m really happy to have re-signed here,” Tupouniua said.

“Robbo, the coaches and the leaders we have here push you to be better every day. We’re a tight group and I’m so proud to be part of this club.”

The hard-running forward has played 37 NRL games so far and is expected to play a crucial role in the coming months as the Roosters monitor the recovery of Boyd Cordner.

Boyd Cordner’s Roosters return is still unknown. Picture: Brett Costello

It is still to be clarified when Cordner, one of the 10 burning issues that NRL clubs still need to be sorted out, will be back at training in the New Year after withdrawing from State of Origin, or if he will be available for the start of the season.

Robinson was obviously very happy to have two quality young players committing to the club.

“Sam and Sitili are genuinely good people and I’ve loved watching their development over the last few years,” Robinson said.

“They both have a ‘team first’ mentality and are important members of the squad we have here, so it’s great news to have Sam and Sitili recommit to the Roosters.”