Daly Cherry-Evans’ arrival at the Roosters is set to squeeze out Hugo Savala with the rising star not prepared to wait behind the veteran halfback.

On Friday, Cherry-Evans signed a one-year deal with the Bondi club with an option in his favour for 2027.

Watch every game of the 2025 Pacific Championships LIVE on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Savala opened up on Cherry-Evans impending arrival just hours after the announcement.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

“It wasn’t as if the news came as a big surprise,” Savala told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’ve had a chat to Robbo about it previously.

“I’m sure I can learn a lot from ‘DCE’, and I’m super keen to compete for a spot in the side next season.

Savala confirmed he would explore his options.

“I came through the Roosters’ junior rep program, and I’d love to be a one-club player, but whether or not that happens now, I can’t be sure,” he said.

“We’ll just see what happens.

“I guess I’ve got to consider all options from here, but my primary focus is to start the season well for the club and see where things take me.”

DCE Roosters move finally confirmed | 00:29

PONGA PICTURED WITH WARRIORS RECRUITMENT BOSS

A photo has been leaked of Knights star Kalyn Ponga chatting with Warriors general manager of recruitment Andrew McFadden

The Daily Telegraph reported Ponga was captured in discussion with McFadden at the sports bar which the Warriors own and operate, Full Time Sports Bar and Eatery, in Auckland.

The Knights skipper is off-contract in 2027 and not free to negotiate with rival clubs until November 1 of next year.

But while the photo sent the rumour mill into overdrive, the Telegraph later revealed the circumstances behind the snap.

Ponga and his father Andre had flown over to New Zealand for a speaking engagement at the bar with former Warriors forward Sione Faumuina.

It was there that Ponga bumped into McFadden, who had placed some bets on Derby Day last Saturday.

According to the report, Faumuina questioned Ponga onstage whether he would want to join the Warriors given his New Zealand Heritage, a question the superstar fullback laughed off.

Ponga has been rumoured to be leaving the Knights when his deal expires after being linked to R360 and the Roosters in the past.

Ponga wants to win a premiership, while a massive pay day with the rival code could help set him up for life after footy.

Kalyn Ponga and Warriors recruitment boss Andrew McFadden.Source: FOX SPORTS

He has also shown interest in playing for the All Blacks in the past, but doesn’t want to play Super Rugby, which is necessary to represent New Zealand in rugby union.

Ponga reportedly laughed off suggestions he could potentially join the Warriors, but his future is up in the air given the Knights haven’t been able to lock him up with an extension.

HAAS LINKED WITH $3 MILLION CODE SWITCH

Payne Haas is reportedly close to signing a mega deal with R360 worth up to $3 million a season.

The Daily Telegraph reported Haas is eyeing a monster pay day to switch codes to the rebel league.

Off-contract at the end of 2026, Haas has been free to negotiate with rivals as of November 1.

The Broncos are keen to offer Haas a multi-year extension, but they can’t compete with the money on offer from R360.

However, Haas faces a ban of 10 years if he inks a deal with R360 after the NRL brought in tough rules for players and agents talking with the rebel league.

Haas has no desire to walk out on the final year of his deal in 2026, but the NRL may issue him with a 10 year ban effective immediately if he signs with R360.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 tries in 142 games for the Broncos since his debut in 2018 and has also played 17 Origins for the Blues and six Tests for the Kangaroos and Samoa.

Payne Haas is reportedly set to sign with R360.Source: News Corp Australia