What's the Buzz: Who the Roosters can target with $3m war chest

Armed with a $3 million war chest, the Roosters are set to strike fear into their NRL rivals as they prepare to go big-name hunting. Their hit list includes a 2023 grand final star and emerging rugby prodigy.

Roosters hit list.

There’s nothing NRL clubs fear more than the Sydney Roosters’ cheque book when they have millions of dollars of space in their salary cap.

The departures of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Joey Manu, Angus Crichton, Daniel Tupou and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at the end of the season leaves Nick Politis and Trent Robinson with a dangerous $3 million war chest.

The following year they have another $900,000 from Luke Keary’s expected retirement.

This is a club with such an impressive record of landing some of the game’s all-time greats when they really want them – Brad Fittler (Penrith), James Tedesco (Wests Tigers), Luke Keary (Souths) and Cooper Cronk (Storm).

Even as far back as league immortals Arthur Beetson from Balmain and Bob Fulton from Manly in the 1970s.

The Roosters have already signed Wallabies back Mark Nawaqanitawase for 2025. But there is a stack of money left.

Politis was tight-lipped when we spoke to him about the club’s future recruitment plans from Los Angeles, where he is in camp with the Roosters preparing for Las Vegas.

The Roosters have a history of poaching big names. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Brad Fittler joined the Roosters from Penrith. Picture: Brett Costello.

“We have a lot of very impressive kids coming through,” he said.

“We’ll sit down with Robbo at the appropriate time and see who is available.”

One of the “impressive kids” Politis talks about is rookie Robert Toia, rated by many as the most talented emerging centre in the game. He’ll get a shot next to Billy Smith in the centres.

But who are the big names likely to be on their hit list?

No doubt the Roosters will have a crack at rugby union star Max Jorgensen — a fullback off contract this year with the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies.

He is a future superstar.

They will be looking at all the best players available.

The likes of Zac Lomax, once rated an Origin player, is under contract at St George-Illawarra but unhappy about being shunted to the wing.

Zac Lomax could be on the radar of the Roosters. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Rugby prodigy Max Jorgensen. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Even Broncos excitement machine Selwyn Cobbo. He has two years to go in Brisbane, but these days contracts mean little in rugby league.

Aukuso Suaalii and Manu have both indicated their rugby union stints will be short term.

That they’ll be back one day.

Not that the Sydney Roosters can sit around waiting.

Look out rival clubs!

AGENT MYSTERIOUSLY LOSES TWO STAR CLIENTS

It’s been a tough start to the season for NRL player agent Matt Desira, who has lost two outstanding young players to rival managers.

Penrith’s Daine Laurie has joined veteran agent Sam Ayoub and Roosters front-rower Terrell May has linked up with highly regarded David Rawlings. May is tipped to sign a two-year extension at the Roosters on his return from Las Vegas.

May’s brother Taylan, who was previously at SFX, is also looking for a new agent. He’s been speaking to Rawlings and Warwick Wright at Black Money.

Daine Laurie (R) has changed agents. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

HOMELESS PANTHERS GO BUSH

The all-conquering Penrith Panthers will go bush on two occasions next year while their home ground undergoes a $300 million refurbishment.

Panthers group chief executive Brian Fletcher was in Mudgee last week to lock in a game for 2025.

They will also play a match at Carrington Park in Bathurst, where they have previously taken an NRL game.

“It’s great for country rugby league,” Fletcher said.

“We’ll arrive in the towns on the Friday for school visits and coaching clinics. Imagine the kids in Mudgee when they see Nathan Cleary.”

While their home ground is unavailable, the Panthers will play two matches in NSW country, nine at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta and one most likely in Las Vegas.

OLD SHARKS BOSS’ NEW ROLE

Former Cronulla Sharks CEO and Rothmans Medal winner Barry Russell is moving into property development.

Russell pulled the pin as long-time group sales manager at Harvey Norman commercial last week.

He is joining prominent builder Matt Hall at D.Velop.R, a luxury Shire developer.

Russell has also not ruled out returning to the Sharks in the future as a director. He still has a massive fan club among Shire locals and would be a great addition to the board.