RTS to Super League: Cleary & Leota Future Updates & NRL Contract News

New Zealand Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will continue his rugby league career in England’s Super League, signing with Wakefield Trinity for the 2027 season, ending his 13-year NRL tenure. The move comes as a surprise, with the 32-year-old reportedly turning down offers from Sydney-based NRL clubs, including the Roosters and Rabbitohs, to join the West Yorkshire outfit.

Tuivasa-Sheck, a 2018 Dally M Medalist and premiership winner, has played 235 first-grade games across two stints in the NRL. He will join former NRL players Tyson Smoothy and Jazz Tevaga at Wakefield Trinity, a club that recently returned to the Super League and reached the playoffs in its first season back under coach Daryl Powell.

The decision to move to Wakefield Trinity marks a significant shift for the veteran player, who had been linked with a potential move to rugby union. While he acknowledged considering other options, Tuivasa-Sheck ultimately opted for a new challenge in the Super League.

The news of Tuivasa-Sheck’s impending departure coincides with ongoing contract discussions surrounding Penrith Panthers’ father-son duo, Ivan and Nathan Cleary. Panthers CEO Matt Cameron revealed the club has begun “preliminary conversations” with both regarding potential extensions beyond their current contracts, which expire at the end of the 2027 season. However, Cameron emphasized there is “no rush” to finalize any deals.

Nathan Cleary, a key player for the Panthers, has indicated he is open to testing his value on the open market when his contract expires in November 2026. He stated he wants to avoid making hasty decisions about his future and prioritize enjoying his current situation with the club. He also acknowledged the possibility of a future move to rugby union, but reiterated his current passion for rugby league and his strong connection to the Panthers.

Penrith forward Moses Leota has expressed his desire to remain with the Panthers for the duration of his career. Speaking to The Western Weekender, Leota emphasized his loyalty to the club and his commitment to repaying the faith they have shown in him. He is one of 13 Panthers players whose contracts expire at the end of 2027, alongside Cleary, Liam Martin, Brian To’o, and Isaah Yeo.

The Panthers face a significant period of contract negotiations as they attempt to retain key members of their premiership-winning squad, with potential interest from rival clubs looming.