Spencer Leniu Released by Roosters; Set to Join Eels

The Sydney Roosters have released premiership-winning forward Spencer Leniu, with the powerful prop set to join the Parramatta Eels for the 2027 NRL season.

Leniu's departure comes just days after he helped the Roosters claim the 2026 NRL premiership with a thrilling 19-18 victory over the Newcastle Knights.

The 26-year-old was originally contracted to the Roosters until the end of the 2027 season, but has now been granted an early release after being given permission to explore opportunities that would provide him with a more consistent starting role.

Leniu joined the Roosters ahead of the 2024 season after previously establishing himself as a premiership-winning forward with the Penrith Panthers.

He quickly became an important member of the Roosters' forward pack, bringing aggression, power and impact through the middle.

His final appearance for the club came in the 2026 Grand Final against Newcastle, where he played an important role from the interchange bench as the Roosters secured their latest premiership.

Despite playing only around 25 minutes, Leniu made an immediate impact and helped the Roosters hold off a late Knights fightback.

The premiership was Leniu's fourth NRL title.

Leniu is expected to sign a four-year contract with Parramatta beginning in 2027.

The Eels have been heavily reshaping their squad ahead of next season, and Leniu will join a Parramatta side that already includes major recruits and former representative teammates.

He is also set to reunite with close friend Jarome Luai, who is already at Parramatta, while Mitchell Moses will provide another familiar face from his representative career.

Parramatta's forward pack will gain one of the competition's most destructive middle forwards, with Leniu expected to play a significant role in the club's 2027 campaign.

The Eels are yet to officially announce the signing.

Leniu's departure is one of several major changes at the Roosters following their premiership triumph.

The club has confirmed a significant number of departures from its 2026 squad, including Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who are heading to rugby union, Daly Cherry-Evans, who is joining Hull FC, Connor Watson, who is moving to the Dragons, and Daniel Tupou, who has retired.

Leniu's situation is slightly different.

Rather than simply allowing his contract to expire, the Roosters have agreed to release him one year early after discussions about his role and future.

The prop had been seeking more consistent starting opportunities, and his move to Parramatta should give him an opportunity to take on a larger role in the Eels' forward pack.

Before beginning his next chapter at Parramatta, Leniu will represent Samoa at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.

He has been selected in Samoa's 23-man squad alongside a number of familiar NRL stars, including Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Junior Paulo.

Samoa reached the 2022 World Cup final before losing to Australia and will again enter the 2026 tournament with serious ambitions.

Leniu's final preparation for the 2027 NRL season could therefore be delayed until after Samoa's World Cup campaign.