Roosters backrower Sitili Tupouniua is set to leave the club with three years remaining on his contract and join the Bulldogs next season.
Foxsports.com.au can reveal Tupouniua met with Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo on Monday to discuss signing with the club from 2025.
The Roosters gave Tupouniua – who is currently contracted until 2027 – permission to talk to rival clubs after they thought they’d signed Titans backrower David Fifita.
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But Fifita backflipped at the last minute and not only have the Roosters missed out on the representative star, but it may end up costing them two backrowers.
The Bulldogs are enjoying a resurgence under Ciraldo and looked headed for finals for the first time since 2016.
Ciraldo is looking to bolster his pack and is keen on the services of 27-year-old Tupouniua, who has played for Tonga.
Meanwhile, Roosters star Angus Crichton publicly claimed he was blindsided by the Fifita signing and made no secret of his frustration with the club for going after a player in his position.
Crichton, who was linked with a move to rugby union earlier this season, has returned to career-best form and is yet to sign anywhere next year.
The Chooks are genuine premiership contenders this season but coach Trent Robinson could see half his starting side leave at the end of the season.
The Roosters are still in the box seat to retain Crichton but if the NSW backrower chooses to leave, he’ll depart alongside Joey Manu, Joseph Suaalii, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke Keary.
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Additionally, Brandon Smith is expected to be shown the door at the end of the season unless his attitude improves significantly.
Veteran winger Daniel Tupou was also set to leave but after the club missed out on Knights centre Dane Gagai, he’s expected to earn a one-year extension.
Source Agencies
