The Roosters are reportedly interested in Rueben Garrick’s movements with the Manly Sea Eagles centre in a bidding war for his next deal. Kangaroos and Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave the NRL club at the end of the 2026 season as he jumps back to rugby union in a bid to play for the Wallabies in the home World Cup.
This leaves a gap in the Roosters’ backline after next season with Nawaqanitawase finishing the 2025 NRL season with the most tries. Daniel Tupou is also 34 years old and coming to the end of his career.
The Roosters are reportedly interested in Rueben Garrick considering Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave the club at the end of the 2026 season. (Images: Getty Images)
Roosters officials may be looking to the future for their next signing and it appears they have identified another potential target from their Sydney rivals. The Daily Telegraph has reported the Roosters have joined the race for Garrick with the Manly back off contract at the end of next year.
Reports claim the Manly Sea Eagles have upped their offer to $600,000 for Garrick to stay, but one thing working in the Roosters’ favour is Daly Cherry-Evans. The halfback finally confirmed his switch to the Roosters after the season, which will see the 37-year-old play on in 2026. Reports suggest Cherry-Evans also has an option to play on in 2027.
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And Garrick is friends with Cherry-Evans and could be enticed to make the switch to the east. The Roosters are reportedly keen on the goal-kicking centre/winger as are the Dragons and the Perth Bears. Although interest from the Bears has reportedly cooled in recent weeks. But the Roosters appear to have plenty of money in their salary cap having let a number of big stars leave in recent years.
The Roosters, Dragons and Perth Bears are all interested in Reuben Garrick (pictured), according to Code Sports.
Mark Nawaqanitawase keen on NRL return
While it wasn’t a shock, the Roosters would have been disappointed that leading try scorer Nawaqanitawase had made up his mind to make the switch back to rugby union. But on the Ashes tour of England, Nawaqanitawase admitted he would be keen for a return to the NRL.
“A hundred per cent,” Nawaqanitawase responded. “Especially at the Roosters where I am, it’s been amazing. So it’s definitely on the cards.”
But the Roosters winger attempted to quell expectations and admitted he hadn’t made up his mind past his next move. “It’s a long way, away – so just relax,” he said when pressed on his next long-term plans.
Nawaqanitawase joined an elite group of players that have represented both the Wallabies and Kangaroos on the Ashes tour. And the 25-year-old recently admitted he couldn’t believe how much he had achieved in his short stint in rugby league.
“It’s a pinch yourself moment, I still can’t believe it’s gone so quick. I’m just lucky to be here, got to enjoy it,” Nawaqanitawase said. “To be in an Australian jersey again so quickly – it was very special, seeing my family up there in the stands, pretty cool.
“But it’s gone so fast; I’m living the dream, mate, and I’m just trying to enjoy every moment. The atmosphere was amazing, something you want to be a part of. We had, what, 60,000 out there tonight, and it felt like 120,000. I was blowing out there a bit, but it was a great match to be a part of. Very similar to the Olympics and other big games I’ve played in, the quality of players I’m surrounded by is very special.”