Hugo Savala to test open market following Daly Cherry-Evans’ signing with Sydney Roosters
Savala has played 21 games for the Roosters, with one of his best assets being his booming right boot. While he can also play lock and even centre, Savala’s only hope of playing in the halves will be if Cherry-Evans or Walker are injured.
He looms as a good No.14 option off the bench, especially with Connor Watson tipped to start at lock while Victor Radley is on a 10-game club-imposed ban. Even then, it remains unclear if Radley’s punishment will include the three Tests he could not play for England in the Ashes, and possibly two Roosters trial games in February, which would essentially cut his ban in half.
The Perth Bears enter the competition in 2027, but Toby Sexton has already been linked to the franchise, and they may be in pursuit of a playmaker with more experience.
Another Roosters’ half, Sandon Smith, has already joined the Newcastle Knights on a four-year deal.
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Skipper James Tedesco praised Savala late in the season for being able to block out the speculation about Cherry-Evans, saying: “He [Savala] is a local kid, really inquisitive about the game, watches a lot of footy, and I love that. I’m loving our combination on the field. He doesn’t overplay his hand; he gives me time and space. He’s been awesome.”
The Dragons are on the hunt for a starting half, while the Roosters’ arch-rivals, South Sydney, have Cody Walker unsigned beyond 2026, with Jamie Humphreys, Jayden Sullivan, Ashton Ward and recruit Jonah Glover all vying for the No.7 jersey.
