Roosters forwards eye NFL while Nawaqanitawase and Crichton head to rival code

The Sydney Roosters have confirmed that two of their marquee forwards, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton, will be departing the club to pursue opportunities in a rival code later this season.

While the departures are set, club insiders say the NFL has been quietly monitoring the situation, with speculation that another Roosters player could be the next surprise cross‑code candidate. No official approach has been announced, but the rumor mill is buzzing about a potential American football opportunity.

Roosters officials stress that the focus remains on rebuilding the forward pack for the upcoming NRL campaign, even as the allure of the NFL adds an extra layer of intrigue to the off‑season shuffle.

Fans are left to wonder which player might next trade the oval for the gridiron, but for now the club’s priority is to fill the void left by Nawaqanitawase and Crichton and keep the team competitive on home soil.