Roosters inform Spencer Leniu he will not be offered new deal, PNG Chiefs emerge as likely destination

Key facts

• Spencer Leniu has been told by the Sydney Roosters he will not receive a new contract at the end of his current deal.
• Leniu is off-contract at the end of 2027 and can officially negotiate with other clubs from November 1.
• The PNG Chiefs, set to join the NRL as the 19th club in 2028, are the likely favourite to sign Leniu.
• Leniu has played 124 NRL games, six State of Origin matches, and seven Tests for Samoa.
• The Roosters have established props Lindsay Collins and Naufahu Whyte leading the pack.
• Jarome Luai, a close friend of Leniu, has already signed with the PNG Chiefs for 2028.
• Alex Johnston is expected to join the Chiefs, pending official announcement, after South Sydney granted permission.

Lede: Roosters cut ties with Origin prop

The Sydney Roosters have told prop Spencer Leniu he will not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires, according to reports. The 28-year-old, who played State of Origin for New South Wales last year, has never looked as if he has fit in at Bondi Junction, sources indicate. Leniu is off-contract at the end of 2027, meaning he can officially negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, though the Roosters may allow him to begin talks earlier.

PNG Chiefs emerge as frontrunners

Speculation has been circulating that Leniu could be on the move, and the Footy In Focus Podcast with former Zero Tackle writer Isaac Issa and Kat Haddad revealed that the PNG Chiefs are the likely favourite to become his new home. 'There has been a little chatter around it,' Issa said on the show. 'From the sounds of it, he is on the outer at the Roosters at the moment. This makes complete sense.' The Chiefs are set to enter the NRL as the league's 19th club in 2028.

Leniu's career stats and Origin prospects

Leniu has played 124 NRL games, six State of Origin matches, and seven Tests for Samoa. Despite being an Origin candidate, he is unlikely to be selected for this year's series given his current form and the depth of props available for the Blues. He will, however, continue to play a role for the Roosters as they push for the premiership.

Roosters' prop depth and Leniu's fit

The Roosters have a number of props either already established in first-grade or looking for promotion, with Lindsay Collins and Naufahu Whyte leading the charge. Leniu's departure would free up cap space and a roster spot for the club's emerging talent. The decision underscores the club's belief that Leniu never fully integrated into their system.

Chiefs' recruitment drive gains momentum

Leniu's potential move to the Chiefs would be another boost for the expansion club, which has already secured Jarome Luai, a close friend of Leniu, and is expected to announce Alex Johnston in the coming weeks. Luai was able to negotiate before November 1 as a free agent in 2027, while Johnston received the blessing of his current club, the South Sydney Rabbitohs, to do so.

Timeline and next steps

Leniu's current contract runs through the end of 2027, but the Roosters could permit him to start talking about his future early if they wish to expedite his departure. The November 1 negotiation window is the key date for other clubs to make formal offers. The Chiefs, who will not enter the NRL until 2028, are already building their roster for that debut season.

Analysis: A mutual parting of ways

The decision to let Leniu go reflects a broader trend at the Roosters, who are reshaping their forward pack around younger, homegrown talent. For Leniu, a move to the Chiefs offers the chance to reunite with Luai and become a marquee player for an expansion team. The NRL's 19th club is rapidly assembling a competitive squad, and Leniu's experience at Origin and international level would be invaluable.

The bottom line

• Spencer Leniu will not be offered a new deal by the Sydney Roosters and is expected to leave when his contract ends in 2027.
• The PNG Chiefs are the likely destination, with Leniu joining close friend Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston in the expansion club's roster.
• Leniu has played 124 NRL games, six State of Origin matches, and seven Tests for Samoa.
• The Roosters have depth at prop with Lindsay Collins and Naufahu Whyte, making Leniu's departure manageable.
• Leniu can officially negotiate with other clubs from November 1, though the Roosters may allow early talks.
• The Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028 as the 19th club, and Leniu's signing would be a significant boost.