The Sydney Roosters have moved swiftly to fill the void created by centre Michael Jennings’ move to Parramatta, signing Dale Copley on a three-year deal.
Copley was granted an early release from his contract with NRL rivals Brisbane to move to the Roosters until the end of the 2018 season.
The 24-year-old had been on the Roosters’ radar after being made available by the Broncos following James Roberts’ arrival at Red Hill.
Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan believes Copley is a rising talent who will flourish at this new home.
“We see Dale taking his game to the next level here at the Roosters, and with his signature being sought by a number of clubs, we are pleased to have secured his services,” O’Sullivan said.
“Dale is a tremendous finisher, blessed with wonderful footwork and a natural try-scoring ability.”
Copley made 72 NRL appearances for the Broncos following his debut in 2009, scoring 31 tries.
Brisbane chief executive Paul White said while the club didn’t want to lose the centre, they weren’t willing to stand in the player’s way.
“The last month has not been easy for Dale, but the club and his management have remained in constant contact during this period to allow the best outcome for all and not put unnecessary pressure on the player or the process,” White said.
“I have told Dale he is held in the highest regard by all at this club as both a person and a player.
“He leaves with our blessing and support, and we hope there is an opportunity for him to one day be a part of the club again.”
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Copley has played a whopping one game in the second row coming off the bench i believe. Maybe that's who he is referring to.
Roostermark
Guest
Rumour has it he was on the nose with the coaching staff and the playing group, to top it off he has behavioural issues ala charges to do with driving and the issue he had with Parramatta police last year. Personally I think he loses interest in things rather quickly and needs to change around.
Roostermark
Guest
What second rowers might that be, Toops has never played the position as SKD, Fergo, Burgess or Latrell Mitchell for that matter.
john neeson
Guest
good luck to Parra. Unfortunately there must be something seriously amiss with Jennings. It's not like the Rorters can't keep Jennings and buy Copley and who ever they want. They'll always be under the cap and still have 12 months until Hayne (jarryd not $hayne) is available at, what, $200,000.
pete bloor
Guest
I don't think Bennett went I'd rather Reed over Copley in a vacuum. He went I need X dollars. It's like if you need 200k do you sell the house or the second hand couch in the shed? Selling your house doesn't mean you think the couch is worth more
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Rooster stacking their backline with second rowers?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
He's still young. Most backs take a good 4 plus years in top grade for their defensive technique to improve. It's easier to hide on the wing though as long as Kev doesn't give him dumb instructions (RIP Nathan Merrits rep career) and tbh I think a large part of his deficiency involves babysitting Uate who is about as flatfooted in defence as a stick man on a slip of A4 paper. I'd rather have Oates over both but he's destined to move to the backrow sometime soon so wouldn't be a logical choice for the long term. Also Gagai is the incumbent and considering how long it took Taylor and DCE to be cut from the squad I wouldn't get my hopes up too high about Copley playing origin anytime soon barring injuries. Gagai would have to have a Hodges debut level stuff up in a decider to be dropped unless Kevs thinking another way.
Elton
Guest
Gagai needs to improve his defence. He is shocking.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Copley was dogged with injuries last year and if I remember correctly in his best game of the year he came on as an interchange and after a few dangerous runs and some solid defending was involved in a sickening head clash. He really has the potential to be a class act though and depending on the gameplans the roosters implement could develop into a superstar sooner rather than later. What the hell though? Maybe he'll become the next Hodges and come back to Brisbane better than before. Though in this case the player is the one with the sour taste in his mouth rather than the coach.
Russ
Guest
"Nonetheless, we must always remember that the coach in question is a bloke called Wayne Bennett. And he’s forgotten more about rugby league than most of us have ever known…" Well said Neval even when and if you don't agree with the Bennet this is a good mantra to keep in mind. Having said that he believes in international games so what does he Know? ;-)
nerval
Guest
Dale Copley is a class act. Only injuries can get in his way. He runs like a thoroughbred, has beautiful balance and a natural left foot side-step. Like many others it seems, I can't understand why any coach would rather have the creatively-moribund, staggeringly slow Jack Reed in at left centre ahead of Copley. On top of it all, In my eyes, the former has yet to find a Broncos jumper that actually fits him - unless revealing what is known in some circles as a "muffin top" is considered fashionable? Nonetheless, we must always remember that the coach in question is a bloke called Wayne Bennett. And he's forgotten more about rugby league than most of us have ever known...
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I dunno about that. I think if Gagai and Chambers stay healthy and show good form they're the pick for now ahead of Copley. As for if Inglis goes to fullback permanently I think Oates would be well ahead of Copley.
The Verdict
Guest
Jennings try scoring rate dropped significantly in two years despite his price increasing (and Penrith no longer paying any of his contract like the first season). Copley had some shocking moments on the wing, but was always much better at centre.
The Verdict
Guest
Reed is the most overrated the player in the game.
The Verdict
Guest
Don't you mean Jarryd Hayne?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Nice addition as Copley is a good player, just needs to stay on the field regularly and he could push for Origin selection now Hodges has retired.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Nobody would buy Reed knowing he wouldn't be available for the first month of competition.
ChrisinMonaco
Guest
Fergo,Burgess,SKD,Copely,Toupo with young Mitchell coming into fray soon eoungh. A very large and mobile backline..Good luck lads.
Muzz
Guest
Not necessarily The eye. You don't offload a player of Jennings calibre unless 1) There were issues 2) The coaching staff and board have acknowledged that the window is welded shut and are looking to the future. 3) Your building a super team for 2017 which may include Hayne and SBW.
The eye
Guest
I definately would have been asking about Corey Oates and Jordan Kahu before Copley..even when fit Benny rated him below Reed,who would have to be in the bottom 3 of the worst centres in the NRL..Rooster fans are huge losers from this deal