RTS to Super League: Cleary & Leota Future Updates & NRL Contract News
A significant move is brewing in the world of rugby league, as New Zealand Warriors veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is poised to join Wakefield Trinity in the Super League for the season. The Dally M Medallist, a mainstay of the NRL for 13 seasons and boasting 235 first-grade appearances, will embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career.
The decision comes as a surprise, particularly given previous reports suggesting Tuivasa-Sheck was considering a return to Sydney. He reportedly garnered interest from both the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs, but ultimately opted for a move to the Super League, a development described as one of the biggest and most unexpected deals in the competition’s history.
At Wakefield Trinity, the 32-year-traditional will link up with fellow former NRL players Jazz Tevaga and Tyson Smoothy, adding considerable experience and firepower to the Super League outfit. While the length of the contract remains undisclosed, the move signals a new direction for the seasoned player as he approaches the twilight of his career.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s departure from the NRL marks the finish of a distinguished career in the Australian competition. A premiership winner, he has consistently demonstrated a high level of performance and professionalism throughout his time in the league. His impact on the Warriors and the NRL as a whole will be keenly felt.
Cleary Family Futures Under Scrutiny at Penrith
Meanwhile, in the NRL, the futures of father-son duo Ivan and Nathan Cleary at the Penrith Panthers are generating considerable discussion. Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron has provided an update on contract negotiations, revealing that “preliminary conversations” have begun with both parties regarding extensions beyond their current contracts, which expire at the end of .
Despite interest from other clubs, including the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs, Cameron expressed confidence in retaining both Ivan, the head coach and Nathan, the star halfback. “We’re really in no rush to receive anything done but we’re confident we’ll have both of them at the club as long as they seek to be here,” Cameron stated on SEN’s Kick Off with Brandy & Jimmy.
Nathan Cleary, who has achieved significant success with the Panthers, has indicated a willingness to test his value on the open market when his contract expires in November. He emphasized his desire to avoid regrets and ensure he makes the best decisions for his future, both on and off the field. “I gaze at how I want to be once I retire, I want to have no regrets,” Cleary told The Herald last month. “I’m not closing any doors. I’m open to anything.”
The possibility of a move to rugby union has also been floated, but Cleary reiterated his passion for rugby league and his current happiness with the Panthers. “My passion is rugby league. I couldn’t see myself leaving any time soon. Somewhere down the track, maybe. But not at the moment,” he added. “It’s hard for me to envisage not [playing for] Penrith. I absolutely love Penrith, it’s home to me.”
Leota Committed to Panthers Future
Adding to the contract discussions at Penrith, forward Mosese Leota has expressed his desire to remain with the club for the duration of his career. The 30-year-old, a key member of the Panthers’ four premiership-winning teams, is off-contract at the end of and will be able to entertain offers from rival teams from November 1st.
Speaking to The Western Weekender, Leota affirmed his commitment to the Panthers, stating, “Yeah 100 per cent! This club’s been my home for so many years now and I want to repay the faith. They believed in me from the start, so I think that’s something that I want to do.”
Leota’s dedication adds another layer to the Panthers’ off-season planning, as the club navigates the contract situations of 13 players, including fellow State of Origin representatives Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, Brian To’o, and Isaah Yeo. The Panthers face a crucial period of negotiation to maintain the core of their successful team and continue their dominance in the NRL.
The coming months promise to be pivotal for both Tuivasa-Sheck and the Penrith Panthers, as they navigate new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of rugby league. Tuivasa-Sheck’s move to the Super League represents a bold step in his career, while the Panthers’ contract negotiations will shape the future of one of the NRL’s most successful clubs.