Roosters backrower Sitili Tupouniua is set to leave the club with three years left on his contract to join the Bulldogs next season. According to Foxsports.com.au, Tupouniua met with Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo on Monday to discuss joining the team from 2025.
The Roosters allowed Tupouniua, who is contracted until 2027, to negotiate with other clubs after they believed they had secured Titans backrower David Fifita. However, Fifita’s last-minute change of heart left the Roosters potentially losing two key players.
Under Ciraldo, the Bulldogs are experiencing a revival and aim to make the finals for the first time since 2016. Ciraldo is eager to strengthen his squad and is interested in the 27-year-old Tupouniua, who has represented Tonga but had an inconsistent season with the Roosters.
The Roosters, strong premiership contenders, might see significant departures at season’s end. NSW backrower Angus Crichton, upset by the Fifita pursuit, has not yet signed for next year despite returning to top form in 2024. If Crichton leaves, he could join other stars like Joey Manu, Joseph Suaalii, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, and Luke Keary.
Veteran winger Daniel Tupou, initially set to leave, is likely to get a one-year extension after the Roosters missed out on Knights centre Dane Gagai. Additionally, Brandon Smith may be let go unless his attitude improves significantly.
Coach Trent Robinson may face a rebuilding season next year, similar to his strategy in 2016, which eventually led to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019. Robinson, who joined the Roosters in 2013, quickly achieved success, winning the competition and three minor premierships. After realizing the team’s premiership window had closed, he convinced the club to endure a tough 2016 season to rebuild, which paid off with future victories.
