Awkward Roosters conundrum arises after $850k enigma’s ‘best game ever’
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Newly-crowned premiers the Sydney Roosters find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to enigmatic forward Spencer Leniu.
This column broke the story in June that the Roosters had decided to cut Leniu loose and he was set to sign with Parramatta for next season, despite having a year to run on his rich deal with the Bondi glamour club, thought to be worth as much as $850,000 a year.
Spencer Leniu celebrates the grand final win. Getty Images
But much has changed since then – Leniu has put his head down and played some great football and it was his cyclonic, super-aggressive 25 minute stint that turned the grand final around after the Knights charged to an early 12-0 lead.
Trent Robinson was so impressed he later called it Leniu’s “best game ever”.
Nine.com.au understands that the two clubs have not put anything on paper as yet and have merely come to a gentlemen’s agreement about Leniu, but it’s a situation that the Roosters may well want to revisit.
The club will lose at least four players for next season – Angus Crichton (rugby union), Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Connor Watson (Dragons) and Daly Cherry-Evans (Hull FC) – with Manly star Reuben Garrick their only key signing.
The club should have room within the salary cap and may well be thinking of doing a U-turn on Leniu, unless the deal with the Eels is set in stone.
Walker 2.0 carving own path at Souths
Cody Walker’s son Kian has signed with South Sydney and will play Harold Matthews Cup in the famous red and green colours next season.
While uncertainty remains about his dad’s future, at least one Walker will now be playing for the Rabbitohs in 2027.
A clever ball-playing utility back like his dad, Kian is only 15 but is being closely watched by the Rabbitohs’ development coaches.
Last weekend the youngster showcased his skills, inspiring La Perouse Panthers to victory in the U15s division at the Koori Knockout.
“Kian is a talented kid and we have a very high impression of him,” the club’s head of pathways David Furner told nine.com.au this week.
Cody Walker remains a free agent. Getty Images
“He was great in the Koori Knockout and is a kid with a very bright future.”
Walker senior, who at 36 is one of the NRL’s oldest players, has yet to come to terms with the club on a new contract.
’11 out of 10′ performance from Penrith youngster
Penrith didn’t have much luck on grand final day but showed off one of their brightest talents in spectacular style last Saturday.
Jersey Flegg halfback Ellyjah Birve captained the Junior PNG Kumuls to a stunning 18-10 upset win over the Australian Schoolboys side.
The win capped a wonderful season for Birve, who led the Panthers’ Flegg side to a 62-16 grand final victory against the Bulldogs last month.
Kumuls coach Joey Grima described Bird’s performance as “an 11 out of 10” and the youngster has a massive future at the Panthers.
Freddy Lussick. Getty Images
Dogs bolster dummy-half stocks
Canterbury have identified hooker as a position they need to strengthen and have picked up both an experienced No.9 and a rookie to give them more options.
Panthers dummy-half Freddy Lussick officially signed with the club on Tuesday, while the Bulldogs also picked up a handy youngster from the Roosters.
Jaxson Allen, 19, originally from Junee, captained the SG Ball Cup team to the premiership last year and will be one to watch over the next couple of seasons.
