For the first time in his career, Sydney Roosters stalwart Victor Radley has confirmed he will consider leaving the Tricolours to join a new team so he can look after his family.
A NSW Blues representative and England international, the 28-year-old has been one of the Roosters’ most prolific forwards, with 181 appearances and three premierships.
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However, the local junior will hit the open market on November 1 alongside a plethora of rugby league superstars, including Nathan Cleary, Sam Walker and Jack Bostock.
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Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Radley revealed he is in no rush to sort out his future and while his preference is to remain at Bondi, he is open to linking with a rival if the two parties can’t agree on a new deal.
This could potentially open the door for the PNG Chiefs or a Super League team to strike.
“The Roosters are everything I’ve ever known. I love the club so much. They’ve done right by me for years,” Radley told the publication.
“It hurts me inside just thinking about playing elsewhere, but I need to look at all my options now. The days are gone where I’m living in a two-bedroom unit, having a good time.
“I have two kids, a fiancée, and a house that needs paying off.
“Like everyone in Australia, you have your struggles with interest rates. People will laugh at that and say, ‘He’s been on good money’. But I’ve got a decent mortgage.
“I also copped some financial pain at the end of last year [The Roosters hit Radley with a $150,000 penalty for bringing the club into disrepute during a Sunshine Coast golf trip].
“I’m open to everything. I love new experiences, that might even include living in England and playing in the Super League. It’s something I’d be interested in.”
Daily Telegraph 01/10/2026 Victor Radley of the Roosters with partner Taylah Cratchley. Image: Instagram. Source: https://www.instagram.com/taylah.cratchley/Source: Instagram
DEARDEN’S MAMMOTH PAY DAY LOOMING
Tom Dearden could become the NRL’s highest-paid player, with a staggering clause in his contract being revealed.
According to Code Sports, Dearden’s current contract with the Cowboys includes a clause that states he must earn 12 per cent of North Queensland’s salary cap in 2028.
The NRL’s salary cap is expected to rise to around $15 million that season, meaning Dearden is set for a staggering pay rise.
The 25-year-old reportedly will earn $1 million in 2027, and if the cap increases to that extent, his salary will soar to $1.8 million the following year.
It remains to be seen if Dearden will remain at the Cowboys, with multiple reports emerging suggesting he has a desire to move to Sydney.
Therefore, he could be a part of a swap deal with the Roosters that could see Sam Walker head to Townsville after his ugly contract debacle.
Tom Dearden Kangaroos captains run at Suncorp Stadium . Pic Annette DewSource: News Corp Australia
”We’ve heard the Tom Dearden family reasons. He may move to Sydney, had a kid last week, his partner’s given birth in Sydney,” The Courier Mail’s Pete Badel said on NRL360.
“And the other factor is his (Sam Walker’s) brother Tyson is up at the Cowboys and he signed a three-year deal two weeks ago.
“He’s 19-years-old, sees himself playing NRL and Sam would be open to playing with his brother at the Cowboys.
“So if they could make a swap happen, they’re on comparable salaries. Sam’s on 1.05 million at the moment. Dearden’s on $1 million. You wouldn’t have to do a lot of subsidy.”
MANLY UTILITY LINKED WITH SHARKS
The Cronulla Sharks have found themselves linked with an NRL journeyman as they look to ease some of the pressure of Australian Kangaroos and NSW Blues dummy-half Blayke Brailey.
According to CODE Sports, the Sharks have identified Zach Dockar-Clay as a possible transfer target as he looks to secure a contract for the 2027 season.
After spending this year with the Manly Sea Eagles, he made only one appearance in Round 11 and spent the rest of the season in the NSW Cup.
He previously held stints with the Penrith Panthers, Hull Kingston Rovers (Super League), Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters.
There were unconfirmed rumours linking him with a return to the Tricolours but these are false.