The Sydney Roosters have got their man, luring NSW State of Origin hooker Reece Robson out of North Queensland on a four-year deal from 2026.
In a significant move in the NRL player market, Robson told Cowboys officials on Friday he would not re-sign beyond the end of next season.
Within hours the Roosters confirmed they had signed the 26-year-old, who will become the club's long-term hooker.
Robson had been at the centre of a bidding war between the two clubs for the past month, with the Cowboys also only willing to offer a deal with a maximum of three years.
However, the Roosters were prepared to make the longer play, offering a contract that will keep Robson in Sydney until the end of 2029.
The move also gives Robson the chance to move closer to his family, after growing up on the NSW south coast.
"We tabled our best possible offer, but unfortunately were not able to compete with the final offer Reece received," Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck said.
"Reece now has a young family and we respect his decision.
"He will continue to be an important member of our squad for 2025 and we look forward to his contributions in his final season at the club."
Robson's decision is likely to have ongoing ramifications in the NRL.
It will almost certainly spell the end of Brandon Smith's time at the club.
Smith has previously indicated he is not interested in returning to the Cowboys, where he played under-20s.
The Kiwi is off-contract at the Roosters at the end of 2025, having endured an at-times turbulent two seasons at the club.
Smith had already conceded he may need to look elsewhere for 2026, keen to find a new suitor before he returns from an ACL rupture in May.
Robson's signature also means the Roosters' long-term roster begins to take shape.
James Tedesco confirmed a one-year extension on Friday, keeping him at the club until the end of 2026 and just shy of his 34th birthday.
Tedesco is therefore expected to remain at fullback for the next two years, after the Roosters opted against any real pursuit of Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen.
Papenhuyzen has also decided to stay with the Storm for 2026.
"The Roosters have been my home for the past seven years, and I'm excited to continue playing for this incredible club," Tedesco said.
"I'm proud to represent the Roosters and there's a strong bond among the group, so I'm looking forward to what we can achieve together in 2025 and beyond."
Halfback Sam Walker has also extended at the Roosters until the end of 2027, in a crucial few months for the club off the field.
The Roosters are going through something of a roster transition, after losing the likes of Luke Keary, Joey Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the end of 2024.
