The future of two Roosters’ backrowers will be decided soon, with one set to leave the Bondi club and the other likely to secure and extension.
While it’s believed Sitili Tupouniua is set to sign with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, reports claim multiple other clubs are hunting his signature from next season onwards.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Dolphins, Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles have all joined the race for the experienced edge’s signature.
It follows Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould denying the club have made an offer to Tupouniua.
The 27-year-old has played 94 times for the Roosters since making his debut in 2018 but has fallen down the pecking order this season.
He hasn’t started since the club’s Round Five loss to the Bulldogs, with Angus Crichton, Nat Butcher and Victor Radley preferred on the egde by Trent Robinson, while the club also boast highly rated youngster Siua Wong.
Capable of playing on an edge and through the middle, Tupouniua would be a valuable asset to any club who acquires his signature.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Tupouniua’s departure from the Roosters will be softened by the re-signing of star back rower on a new two-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026.
Crichton, 28, has enjoyed a career year in 2024, despite beginning the year in reserve grade.
The powerful back rower has seven tries in 11 appearances this season, with each of them coming in his last seven games.
His performances haven’t been limited to clubland either, with Crichton was arguably the Blues’ best on ground in their comprehensive Game II Origin win. Across 80 minutes the Roosters edge ran for 144 metres, broke sic tackles and made 21 tackles.
