Victor Radley will return earlier than expected for the Sydney Roosters after the club opted to shave one match off a 10-match suspension.
The forward was banned by the club due to a drug-related scandal last year but will only serve nine matches.
Radley missed three Test matches for England, two pre-season fixtures and four NRL games but the Roosters have decided that this week’s bye counts towards that.
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“The Sydney Roosters have today confirmed that Victor Radley will be available for NRL selection from round six of the 2026 season,” the club said in a statement.
“Radley was issued with the heaviest sanction ever imposed on a player in the club’s history in September 2025.
“Following a proposal presented to the Sydney Roosters board by director of football Mitchell Aubusson and head coach Trent Robinson outlining the work Radley has undertaken since the sanction was imposed, the board has unanimously agreed to permit Radley to be available for selection from round six onwards.”
Victor Radley. Getty
Radley’s ban also included his pay being suspended for 10 weeks along with a $30,000 fine to be donated to St Vincent’s Hospital.
The Roosters suspended Radley for his involvement in a police investigation around former teammate Brandon Smith. Radley was not charged by police.
Radley’s absence has come with an inconsistent start from the Roosters.
Watch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
In round one Trent Robinson’s men were flogged 42-18 by the Warriors before defeating arch rivals South Sydney 26-18.
The next match was another comprehensive 40-4 loss to the Panthers. The Roosters then showed glimpses of their best with a 33-16 win against Manly which sealed Anthony Seibold’s sacking as Sea Eagles coach.