Spencer Leniu joins Parramatta Eels after Roosters grant release
Spencer Leniu has been granted an early release from the Sydney Roosters and has signed a four-year deal with Parramatta. The move comes just days after Leniu won his fourth NRL premiership with the Roosters.
Spencer Leniu has been granted an early release from the Sydney Roosters, just days after their NRL grand-final-winning triumph. Leniu, who won three premierships with Penrith before moving to Sydney, had one year left on his deal.
Leniu has signed with Parramatta, a move which had been speculated for months. He has signed a four-year deal with the Eels after finishing his three-year stint at the Tricolours on a high with a stellar performance in the 19-18 win over Newcastle to secure the 2026 trophy.
The NSW Origin representative added the Roosters' premiership ring to the three he won with Penrith between 2021 and 2023. Leniu was granted a release from the final year of his Roosters contract, which will give the club some salary cap reprieve.
The hard-hitting forward's Eels contract is reportedly worth more than the $850,000 a year he was making with Easts, where he spent much of his time coming off the bench. He is expected to play a more active role in blue and gold, leading the line for the Eels' forward pack.
The move will see the former Panther reunite with good friend Jarome Luai, but first the pair will both suit up for Toa Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.
At the Roosters' awards night on Wednesday, Leniu said he would leave the club on a high.
"I'm proud to have worn the Roosters jersey, and I'll always have a lot of love and respect for the club, the boys and everyone who has supported me during my time here," Leniu said.
"Winning a premiership with this group and sharing that with the boys, our families and everyone at the club is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
Leniu's exit was announced alongside other premiership line-up changes: Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase are rugby-bound, Daly Cherry-Evans is joining Hull FC, while Daniel Tupou has retired this week after his 307-game career. Connor Watson, who missed the title decider due to concussion, has signed for a season with St George Illawarra Dragons.