One of rugby league’s power couples has taken their relationship to the next level with Tommy Talau joining NRLW superstar Jess Sergis at the Roosters after he signed a one-year deal with the premiership heavyweights.
Talau was surprisingly off-contract following two seasons with the Sea Eagles where he scored a career-high 18 tries in 2024 but fell out of favour last year where he played 13 matches.
He’ll swap the northern beaches for the east after signing on for 2026, with the versatile outside back spotted in Moore Park on January 2 getting some early reps in along with young gun Hugo Savala.
It continues a trend of Manly players signing with the Roosters after Daly Cherry-Evans made the shock move east, while Reuben Garrick will head there in 2027.
Talau may struggle to get a starting spot unless there’s an injury given the Roosters boast one of the most damaging backlines in the NRL.
But he could be a key piece of the puzzle during the Origin period when Robert Toia and possibly Mark Nawaqanitawase are away.
His move to the Roosters also removes any awkwardness at home like we saw in 2024 when Sergis had to choose whether to support her team or Talau’s Sea Eagles when they met in the finals.
Sergis is under contract until the end of 2027 and remains one of the best attacking weapons in the NRLW.
“Tommy’s signature adds valuable depth and experience to our backline,” Roosters head of recruitment Joel Carbone said.
“He’s a strong competitor who has shown he can perform consistently at NRL level, and we believe he’ll complement the talent we already have within our squad.”