The Sydney Roosters have quietly strengthened their backline depth for the 2026 NRL season, securing the signature of outside back Tommy Talau on a one-year deal.
Talau’s move to Bondi marks his third Sydney-based club, following previous stints with the Wests Tigers (2020–2023) and Manly Sea Eagles (2024–2025). Still only 25, Talau brings valuable NRL experience to a Roosters squad preparing for a refreshed look in 2026.
Across his NRL career to date, Talau has featured in 83 first-grade matches, crossing for 41 tries — a strike rate that highlights his attacking upside when given consistent opportunities. Equally comfortable on the wing or in the centres, Talau offers flexibility to Trent Robinson as the Roosters balance youth with experience in their outside backs.
After debuting with the Tigers in 2020, Talau showed flashes of genuine promise before moving to Manly, where he added further polish to his game across the past two seasons. His ability to finish chances, handle tough carries out of yardage, and adapt across multiple positions makes him a valuable depth signing rather than a headline grab.
Talau becomes the latest addition to a reshaped Roosters squad for 2026, joining fellow newcomers Daly Cherry-Evans, Reece Robson, and Cody Ramsey as Trent Robinson continues to mould his roster for the next premiership window.
While not expected to arrive as an automatic starter, Talau’s signing gives the Roosters crucial cover across the backline and another experienced option capable of stepping into key roles when required.
