Roosters make bombshell Herbie decision

Sydney Roosters were crowned NRL champions just over one week ago.

The Roosters will have a busy off-season, as they look to tie down numerous stars to longer contracts, with the open market fast approaching.

One of those is Sam Walker, who is reportedly set to sign a club-record deal, worth up to $1.7 million per season.

While the halfback’s situation is one the comp winners will want to tackle, so is James Tedesco’s.

The fullback has confirmed he is hopeful that an agreement can be struck with the club over a contract extension.

The 34-year-old was outstanding during the Grand Final, and he won the Clive Churchill Medal for his display.

Tedesco is still regarded as one of the best no. 1s in the game, but as he gets older, question marks have been placed over how long he can play at the top of his game.

While Tedesco seems set to stay at the Roosters, it is a major development regarding the club’s push for Herbie Farnworth.

Farnworth, who was linked with the premiers for 2028, has seemingly seen a move to the comp winners slammed shut, with Tedesco set to stay put.

Farnworth is off-contract at the end of 2027, and he will be eligible to speak with NRL rivals from November 1 onwards.

With clubs such as PNG Chiefs and Brisbane Broncos interested, the Roosters dropping out of the race will boost their chances of striking a deal with the Dolphins fullback. But the reality is it’s much more likely that he stays with the Dolphins.