NSW Origin hooker Reece Robson has today informed the Cowboys he will depart the club following the 2025 season to take up an opportunity with another NRL club.
A North Queensland statement said Robson would remain an integral part of the Cowboys squad for next season.
“We tabled our best possible offer, but unfortunately were not able to compete with the final offer Reece received,” Cowboys GM of football Micheal Luck said.
“Reece now has a young family and we respect his decision.
“He will continue to be an important member of our squad for 2025 and we look forward to his contributions in his final season at the club.”
Robson was a member of the Blues team that won this year’s State of Origin series and was selected in the Australian squad for the Pacific Championships, but is yet to make his Test debut.
The 26-year-old, who made his NRL debut for St George Illawarra in 2018, has played 110 of his 119 NRL matches for the Cowboys after moving to North Queensland in 2020.
He has been heavily linked to Sydney Roosters for the 2026 season.
Sydney Roosters captain James Tedesco has signed a one-year contract extension, ensuring his continued leadership and presence at the club until the end of 2026.
“The Roosters have been my home for the past seven years, and I’m excited to continue playing for this incredible club,” Tedesco said.
“I’m proud to represent the Roosters and there’s a strong bond among the group we have here, so I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond.”
One of the game’s most decorated players, Tedesco has been an integral part of the Roosters since joining the Tricolours in 2018.
Since first donning the Roosters jersey, Tedesco has achieved a number of milestones, including winning back-to-back NRL Premierships in 2018 and 2019, claiming the Dally M Medal in 2019, and leading his state and country.
He capped off a stellar 2024 season by being named the Dally M Fullback of the Year for the fourth time, and became a record six-time winner of the Club’s most coveted award, the Jack Gibson Medal.
Sydney Roosters coach, Trent Robinson, said: “James is not only a phenomenal player but also a leader who sets the standard for professionalism and performance, and I’m really pleased that his experience will continue to benefit the team around him.”
Tedesco has played 251 first grade games to date, 161 of those with the Roosters. In 2024, Tedesco featured in 25 of the Roosters’ games, scoring 17 tries while setting up 24 more, and amassing 4,972 run metres.
On the back of his impressive return to the NRL in 2024, Bronson Xerri has inked a new deal with the Bulldogs through to the end of the 2027 season.
The dynamic left centre played scoring 10 tries in 19 matches and averaged 145 metres per game as the Bulldogs surged into the finals in 2024.
“Ever since Bronson stepped foot into our club’s doors, he has shown great maturity and commitment to the Bulldog jersey,” said general manager of football Phil Gould.
“At 24 he still has plenty of rugby league ahead of him, and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him in our colours.”
Talented young fullback Liam Ison has committed to the Sharks until the end of 2027 after making his NRL debut and claiming NSW Cup glory in a meteoric rise this year.
Ison, who turns 20 this month, has put pen to paper on a two-year extension on top of his existing contract for 2025.
At Parramatta, back-rower Kelma Tuilagi has signed a one-year contract extension through to the end of the 2026 season.
Tuilagi played 16 games for the Eels in 2024 after joining the club from Manly.
Meanwhile the Brisbane Broncos have won the race to sign Kangaroos playmaker Ben Hunt.
The 34-year-old will return to Brisbane on a two-year deal in a major boost for new coach Michael Maguire.
Hunt started his career at the Broncos, playing 187 games in nine seasons for the club before he joined the Dragons in 2018.
The veteran was granted an immediate release from his St George Illawarra contract in October and was courted by multiple clubs before ultimately settling on a return home.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Ben and his family home, where he belongs,” Brisbane Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said.
“Players of his calibre don’t stay available for long, and it was important to us for Ben to know he was very much wanted here, but we also understand that this was a big decision for Ben and his family.”
Hunt joins a star-studded Broncos roster and will likely split his time between hooker and the halves.
Five-eighth Ezra Mam may be unavailable for the opening weeks of the 2025 season, which would result in Hunt combining with fellow veteran Adam Reynolds in the halves.
For Hunt – who was involved with the Broncos since the age of 13 – the chance to come home to Queensland was a factor in his decision.
“This is very special. It was a tough decision for myself and my family, but my heart was really always driving me back to the Broncos, and in the end, it became really clear,” Hunt said.
“To be able to finish my career at the Broncos is something that I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do and I’ll cherish it.
“I’ve had a fair few calls from people back home (Central Queensland), but needed to make the best decision for myself, my wife and my family.”
At the Dragons, World Cup halfback Lachlan Ilias has joined the club on a two-year contract after being released by South Sydney.
The Dragons announced the signing of Ilias after the Rabbitohs agreed to a request from the 24-year-old and his management for an early release.
The Greek international will take over the halfback duties for the Red V following the departure of captain and star playmaker Ben Hunt, who is yet to find a new NRL club.
Ilias broke his leg in April while attempting a kick and missed the rest of the NRL season.
“It’s fantastic to have Lachlan join us at the Dragons,” St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan said.
“He is coming into the best years of his career. His skill set complements our current squad and he joins the exciting group of players we have recruited ahead of the 2025 season.
“He is progressing well through his rehab, and he will be ready to go for the trials. Lachlan joins a squad that is working hard and are committed to an improved 2025. We can’t wait for him to rip in with us.”
Ilias played 53 NRL games for South Sydney and has also played three Test matches for Greece at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
Wests Tigers forward Fonua Pole has put pen to paper on a two-year extension through to the end of the 2027 season.
The 22-year-old has played 56 games for Wests Tigers, making his NRL debut against the Warriors in Round 16, 2022. In his three seasons in first grade, he has missed just two games.
“Now is such an exciting time for us as a club. I just want to keep working hard and continue to improve as a player,” he said.
Former Bulldog Josh Addo-Carr has signed a two-year deal with the Parramatta Eels.
New head coach Jason Ryles – who worked with ‘The Foxx’ at the Melbourne Storm – is looking forward to adding Addo-Carr’s experience to the squad.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Josh before, and I know first-hand just how much he brings to a team — his speed is electric, and his ability to break open games is second to none,” Ryles said.
The agreement includes an option in the club’s favour for the 2026 season.
The Eels have also re-signed duo Brendan Hands and Sean Russell.
Dummy half Hands has extended his contract with the club until the end of the 2026 season, while winger Russell has also extended his contract until the end of the 2026 season.
Powerhouse Samoa prop Terrell May has signed a three-year deal with Wests Tigers after he was released by the Roosters.
The Roosters confirmed in a statement that May had been granted a release to pursue an opportunity at another club and it was Benji Marshall’s Tigers who secured his signature.
After making his debut in 2022, the 25-year-old had chalked up 57 games for the Roosters, including playing every game in the 2024 season as Trent Robinson’s men progressed to the preliminary final.
“Terrell is a good person first and foremost, and it’s great that he will be joining us,” said Marshall.
“He’s coming off an impressive season, and at 25, his best years are ahead of him.”
The Storm, meanwhile, have announced that Moses Leo will arrive at AAMI Park a year early after New Zealand Rugby granted him an early release from his Sevens contract.
Melbourne initially signed Leo to a two-year deal starting in 2026, however the All Blacks Sevens’ representative will now join his new teammates at training in late November.
“We are looking forward to seeing Moses join his teammates for pre-season this year and appreciate the cooperation from New Zealand Rugby in supporting Moses with his request for an early release,” Storm director of football Frank Ponissi said.
Leo debuted with the All Blacks Sevens in 2022 and represented New Zealand at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
PNG international Jacob Alick-Wiencke will continue his NRL journey on the Gold Coast after inking a new deal to remain a Titan in 2025.
Fresh from a strong Pacific Championships stint with the Kumuls, the 25-year-old played big minutes as a starting prop all three tournament appearances, adding to his six NRL games he featured in 2024.
The Titans have finalised an early release for prop Keenan Palasia to pursue an opportunity with Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League.
Cowboys prop Jordan McLean will line up for an eighth season at the club after signing a one-year extension for 2025.
The 33-year-old has been the linchpin of the Cowboys pack since arriving in Townsville in 2018, racking up 137 games for North Queensland to go with the 86 games he played for the Storm.
“It’s great news for our club to secure Jordan McLean for another year,” said Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.
“His leadership quality was a really positive influence on our new captains in Reuben and Tom as well as the rest of the playing group.”
Blockbusting winger Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega has inked a new deal with the Sea Eagles for the 2025 season.
The 24-year has played 12 games for Manly after making his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles against Canberra in 2022.
“Ray has worked very hard on improving his game and has earnt this new one-year deal,’’ said Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold.
“He is a very good team first man who provides plenty of added depth to our outside backs.”
The Sea Eagles also welcome Michael Chee Kam back to the northern beaches in 2025 after he started his career ar Manly a decade ago.
Chee Kam made his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles in 2014, playing five games over two seasons for the club. He later joined Wests Tigers in 2016 and South Sydney in 2022. He played 16 NRL games for the Rabbitohs last season.
The Sea Eagles have also signed former Bulldogs forward Chris Patolo on a train-and-trial contract.
Twin brothers Toby and Ryan Couchman have committed to the Dragons until the end of the 2027 season after both signed contract extensions.
Having spent their junior days at the Thirroul Butchers, the twins progressed through the club’s pathways system with Ryan representing Australian Schoolboys in 2021 whilst at Bulli High and Toby representing the Blues in Under 19s Origin the following year.
Toby made his NRL debut in the opening round of the 2023 season against the Titans and has gone on to play 26 games for the Red V.
Ryan got his NRL call-up against Parramatta in Round 23 of 2023 and now has 11 games under his belt.
“It was definitely important for the club to extend both of the boys,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.
“They’re really good footballers, but also really good people who put in the work. They’re local products and they care about the club deeply, so it’s exciting to know they’re going to be here for a while.”
Meanwhile, the Cowboys have announced the signing of outside back Jaxson Paulo for the 2025-2026 seasons.
The 25-year-old who has appeared in 63 NRL games across five seasons for the Rabbitohs, Roosters and Sea Eagles returns to Queensland, where he grew up playing in the Gold Coast Titans system.
“Jaxson has played in a number of big games in his young career, including a grand final with Souths in 2021 and can cover both wing and centre,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.
The Bulldogs have also boosted their depth for next season after announcing the signing of versatile outside back Enari Tuala on a two-year-deal.
The 26-year-old joins the club following five seasons at the Newcastle Knights after beginning his career at the North Queensland Cowboys.
“Enari has shown his capabilities as a reliable player and his addition will no doubt complement our squad,” General Manager of Football Phil Gould AM said.
At the Sharks, classy back-rower Briton Nikora has extended his deal through to the end of 2027.
Already locked in for 2025, Nikora has added two more years to his deal.
“This is where I started my career and this is where I eventually hope to end it. As long as the Sharks want me, I don’t see myself anywhere else,” Nikora said.
“It means a lot to play for one club.”
The Sea Eagles have announced the signing of former Rooster and Warrior Siua Taukei’aho on a one-year deal for 2025.
Taukei’aho has played 169 NRL games, the last of those in 2022 with the Roosters, as well as 16 international matches (New Zealand and Mate Ma’a Tonga).
“Siua is a two-time premiership winner and international representative, he brings significant leadership experience to the team,” said Manly coach Anthony Seibold.
Roosters halfback Sam Walker has secured his future with the Tricolours through to at least the end of 2027 after signing a two-year contract extension.
The 22-year-old has played 77 games for the Roosters since making his NRL debut in Round 4, 2021, scoring 550 points.
“I’m really happy to be extending with the Roosters. This Club feels like home and I’m grateful for the support of Robbo, my teammates and all the staff,” said Walker, who was already contracted through to the end of 2025.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to training later this month so I can keep working hard on my rehab and play my role for the team.”
Samoan international Oregon Kaufusi has agreed to terms on a new contract with Cronulla for next season.
Kaufusi played the first 23 games of the 2024 season for the Sharks, sat out round 27, before then playing the club’s three finals matches in emphasising his durability and resilience.
Since joining the Sharks in 2023, the prop has played 45 top-grade games for the Sharks and 116 NRL games in total after playing five years at the Parramatta Eels.
Utility Hohepa Puru, twin brother of talented playmaker Niwhai, joins Cronulla’s full-time NRL squad for the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, former Test prop Martin Taupau has recommitted to the Brisbane Broncos until the end of 2025.
The 34-year-old, who has 255 NRL games and 33 Tests for New Zealand and Samoa to his name, will continue to provide valuable depth to the club’s middle forward stocks.
Taupau’s contract extension is reward for strong finish to the 2024 season, where he made 13 NRL appearances and ran for 1124 metres while making 233 tackles at 97 percent efficiency.
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