The Sydney Roosters have received a boost on the run to NRL finals by re-signing State of Origin forwards Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson through 2027.
Leniu has spent his first campaign at the Roosters in the headlines, banned for eight games for directing a racial slur at Ezra Mam in the round-one defeat of Brisbane in Las Vegas. He later apologised.
The triple premiership-winning former Penrith prop has since earned his Origin debut, playing all three games of NSW's series win under first-year coach Michael Maguire.
Leniu has averaged 91 run metres per game and began a role starting for Trent Robinson's side in recent weeks, having traditionally been used as an impact player off the bench.
The 23-year-old has become particularly prized for his brutal kick-off returns and scored his first try for the Roosters in last week's 34-18 defeat of Parramatta.
Leniu had been contracted through to the end of next season but would have been free to negotiate with rival clubs from November prior to signing his new two-year contract.
"We've loved welcoming Spencer to the Roosters," Robinson said.
"He has the trust and respect of his teammates, and I'm looking forward to watching him continue to build as a player and person over the next few years."
Watson has signed his own two-year deal to continue a strong comeback season from the knee injury that ruled him out of the entire 2023 season.
The Roosters showed faith in Watson by offering him a contract last November despite that long-term absence and have since reaped the rewards, the utility bouncing back to career-best form.
Watson made his Origin debut in the final two games of NSW's series win and would likely have been picked for the series opener had he not been sidelined with a throat injury.
The 28-year-old has been starting at lock since June, with Victor Radley preferred on an edge since the Origin period.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep working with such a talented group of players and staff and I'm excited to continue to bring my best every day," Watson said.
Watson is set to miss the weekend's clash against Gold Coast after leaving the win over the Eels with a head knock.
