The Roosters have reportedly been eyeing Robson as a potential replacement for Brandon Smith.
The North Queensland Cowboys are working to secure the long-term future of State of Origin hooker Reece Robson amid interest from rival clubs, particularly the Sydney Roosters. While Robson is contracted through to the end of the 2025 NRL season, he has been eligible to negotiate with other teams for 2026 and beyond since November 1.
The Cowboys, recognizing Robson’s importance to their squad, have made his extension a top priority. Following Robson’s return from the Kangaroos’ victorious Pacific Championships campaign, the club reportedly tabled a new deal in an effort to stave off competition and retain the Blues’ No.9.
Robson’s performances in both the Origin arena and international competitions have solidified his reputation as one of the game’s premier hookers. Securing him would be a significant win for the Cowboys as they continue to build a competitive roster for the future. However, with interest from teams like the Roosters, known for their ability to attract high-profile talent, North Queensland faces stiff competition in ensuring Robson remains a key part of their plans.
Robson’s decision will likely weigh heavily on factors such as team potential, role security, and the financial terms of any proposed extensions. For now, the Cowboys have made their intent to retain him abundantly clear.
However, the same report says the cashed-up Roosters are interested in bringing Robson to Sydney as a replacement for fellow hooker, Brandon Smith. The Kiwi international will be sidelined for the first half of the new season with an ACL injury but it’s understood Smith’s management have already been contacting rival clubs to gauge interest in the rake.
Smith does not appear to be in Robinson’s plans going forward after enjoying a mixed career to date in Sydney after making the switch from the Melbourne Storm. And the Roosters have plenty of cap space to chase someone of Robson’s quality, following the release of Terrell May to the Tigers and the departures of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joseph Manu, Joseph Suaalii, Luke Keary and Sitili Tupouniua.
Robson is NSW-born and could be tempted to return to his home state, with the lure of linking up with the Roosters a difficult prospect to pass up for many players. The situation also raises the possibility of a potential Smith-Robson swap between the Roosters and Cowboys – a scenario that would see Kiwi Test star Smith return to the club that sacked him during his early days in footy.
Robinson has made no secret of the Roosters’ need for cover at hooker, and it’s understood that’s where they saw Ben Hunt playing if the veteran decided to join the club. But Hunt will be 35 when the new season gets underway and the 26-year-old Robson is undoubtedly a better long-term option. Whether the Roosters can convince him to leave the Cowboys remains to be seen.
Alex Johnston’s future with the South Sydney Rabbitohs appears uncertain as the club has reportedly not yet offered the prolific tryscorer an extension beyond his current deal, which runs through 2025. Johnston, who is second only to Ken Irvine on the all-time NRL tryscorers list with 195 tries in 227 games, faces an uphill battle to return to full fitness after rupturing his Achilles late last season.
The Rabbitohs, under master coach Wayne Bennett, seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach regarding Johnston’s recovery and performance upon his return. At 29 years old, Johnston’s ability to regain his form post-injury could play a significant role in determining whether he remains a part of Souths’ long-term plans.
Meanwhile, Johnston’s uncertain status has reportedly attracted the interest of rival clubs, who may be keen to acquire a player of his caliber and try-scoring pedigree. While Johnston has been a cornerstone of the Rabbitohs’ success in recent years, the combination of his injury and the Rabbitohs’ evolving roster strategy could lead to significant changes in his future.
For Johnston, his recovery and performance in 2025 will be critical as he looks to secure either a contract extension with South Sydney or potentially explore opportunities with another NRL club.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are facing a delicate salary cap situation that could impact their ability to retain star winger Alex Johnston. While the release of veterans Damien Cook and Lachlan Ilias has freed up some cap space, the Bunnies have also added Euan Aitken, Lewis Dodd, and Jamie Humphreys for the 2025 season, complicating their financial balancing act.
Johnston’s future remains in limbo as his representatives reportedly gauge interest from rival clubs since he became eligible to negotiate on November 1. Despite Johnston’s injury—a ruptured Achilles late last season—his prolific try-scoring ability makes him an attractive option, though his current fitness presents a potential risk for any suitor.
With 195 tries in 227 games, Johnston’s scoring prowess is undeniable, but if it becomes a bidding war, South Sydney may struggle to match the offers from cap-rich rivals. The Rabbitohs’ decision may ultimately hinge on Johnston’s recovery progress and how his market value evolves in the coming months.
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