The Sydney Roosters have confirmed the departures of five players after being eliminated from the 2025 NRL Finals last week by the Cronulla Sharks.

While it was already confirmed that Chad Townsend (retired), Ethan King (North Queensland Cowboys) and Ethan Roberts (Wests Tigers)  would be departing the team at the end of 2025, the Roosters have now revealed that two others will be joining them.

The list of players farewelled includes Sandon Smith and Zach Dockar-Clay who have been linked to the Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles, respectively.

Official Rooster player departures

Chad Townsend
Zach Dockar-Clay
Sandon Smith
Ethan Roberts
Ethan King

— AJ Lucantonio (@AJLucantonio) September 18, 2025

During the Roosters’ awards presentation night, it is understood that coach Trent Robinson confirmed that Sandon Smith would be joining assistant Justin Holbrook at the Knights.

Roosters Best 17 and Full Squad for 2026

1. James Tedesco
2. Mark Nawaqanitawase
3. Billy Smith
4. Robert Toia
5. Daniel Tupou
6. Hugo Savala (dev.)*
7. Sam Walker
8. Naufahu Whyte
9. Reece Robson
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Siua Wong
12. Angus Crichton
13. Victor Radley

Interchange
14. Connor Watson
15. Blake Steep
16. Egan Butcher
17. Spencer Leniu

Rest of squad
18. Salesi Foketi
19. Junior Pauga
20. Toby Rodwell
21. Xavier Va’a
22. De La Salle Va’a
23. Taylor Losalu
24. Nat Butcher
25. Jake Elliott
26. Benaiah Ioelu
27. Junior Tupou
28. No player signed.
29. No player signed.
30. No player signed.

2026 development list
1. Rex Bassingthwaighte
2. Reece Foley
3. Hugo Savala