🚨 Trent Robinson reveals two stars set to join the Sydney Roosters following the departures of Connor Watson and several veteran players.
Sydney Roosters head coach Trent Robinson has confirmed significant changes to his squad for the 2027 season. In a surprising press conference, Robinson revealed that the club is set to lose three key representative players — Connor Watson, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Angus Crichton. The departures mark the end of an era for the Roosters and have left many fans concerned about the club’s future.
Connor Watson, a versatile and energetic utility player, will depart at the end of 2026. Meanwhile, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton, both Kangaroos representatives, have made the shock decision to switch codes and join rugby union next season. This triple loss represents a major blow to the Roosters’ depth and experience heading into the new campaign.

The exits come at a challenging time for the club. With several veterans moving on, many supporters feared the Roosters could be entering a rebuilding phase filled with uncertainty. However, Robinson moved quickly to calm those fears, stating that the club had been quietly planning a major squad overhaul for several months.
In a bold revelation, Robinson confirmed that two high-profile stars have already agreed to join the Sydney Roosters. While he stopped short of officially naming them, sources close to the club have strongly linked the incoming players to Queensland Maroons winger **Murray Taulagi** and Penrith Panthers star forward **Liam Martin**.
Taulagi has been one of the most consistent wingers in the NRL over the past three seasons. Known for his explosive speed, powerful running, and try-scoring ability, the 25-year-old would bring elite attacking threat to the Roosters’ backline. His potential arrival would significantly strengthen Sydney’s edge attack following Nawaqanitawase’s departure.
Liam Martin, on the other hand, is widely regarded as one of the best back-rowers in the competition. The Panthers enforcer brings relentless defensive effort, strong ball-carrying, and leadership qualities. His signing would help offset the loss of Angus Crichton and add much-needed steel to the Roosters’ forward pack.

Robinson described the incoming duo as “game-changers” who fit perfectly into the club’s long-term vision. He emphasized that these were not short-term fixes but strategic signings designed to build a more balanced and competitive roster for the next five years.
The news has sent shockwaves through the NRL. Many analysts believe that securing both Taulagi and Martin would represent a major coup for the Roosters, especially given the fierce competition from other clubs. Both players are still in their prime and have shown consistent high-level performances at Origin and club level.
Fan reactions have been mixed but increasingly positive. While some supporters remain worried about losing three established players, many others see this as an exciting opportunity to refresh the squad. Social media has been flooded with discussions about how Taulagi and Martin could transform the Roosters’ playing style.
Robinson stressed that the rebuild has been carefully planned. He revealed that the club had identified these targets well in advance and worked discreetly to secure their signatures. The coach appeared confident that the new arrivals would help maintain the Roosters’ status as a top-four contender.
The departures of Watson, Nawaqanitawase, and Crichton highlight a growing trend in rugby league. The switch of top NRL talent to rugby union continues to challenge the code, forcing clubs to be more proactive in their recruitment strategies. The Roosters appear to have responded decisively.
For Murray Taulagi, joining the Roosters would represent a new chapter. Currently at the North Queensland Cowboys, the explosive winger has expressed a desire for a fresh challenge. His pace and finishing ability would pair dangerously with the likes of James Tedesco and Joseph Sua’ali’i in attack.
Liam Martin’s potential move from Penrith would be equally significant. A proven winner with multiple premierships, Martin brings championship experience and a fierce competitive edge. His leadership in the forwards could prove invaluable as the Roosters look to rebuild their pack around younger talent.
Robinson made it clear that these signings are just the beginning. He hinted that further announcements could be made in the coming weeks as the club continues to reshape its roster. The coach’s calm confidence has helped ease some of the anxiety among the loyal Roosters faithful.

The 2027 season is shaping up to be one of transition for the Sydney Roosters. Losing three representative players is never easy, but the arrival of two proven stars like Taulagi and Martin could inject new energy and quality into the squad. The success of this rebuild will depend on how quickly the new players integrate.
As the NRL landscape continues to evolve, the Roosters have shown they are willing to make bold moves. Trent Robinson’s willingness to address the situation openly has been praised by many. Fans will now wait eagerly for official confirmation of the two major signings.
This period of change represents both risk and opportunity for the club. If the incoming stars deliver as expected, the Roosters could emerge from this transition stronger and more competitive than ever. For now, all eyes remain on how Robinson navigates one of the most important off-seasons in recent club history.