South Sydney playmaker Luke Keary has reportedly signed a two-year deal to shift to NRL arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters.
After missing out on signing Lachlan Coote and Mitchell Moses, the Roosters landed Keary to join the club from next year, Fairfax Media reported on Monday.
With Jackson Hastings seemingly on the outer at the Roosters, the Tricolours have been in the market for a halves partner for Mitchell Pearce.
While Hastings, 20, is contracted until the end of next season, the writing was on the wall after he was dropped to reserve grade last month and may seek an early release.
Premiership-winning pivot Keary had attracted interest from rugby union and last month backed himself to make a successful transition to Super Rugby.
He has recently been relegated to the bench by coach Michael Maguire to make way for skipper Greg Inglis’ shift to No.6.
The 24-year-old Keary also had a falling out with Souths’ co-owner Russell Crowe during a pre-season bonding camp.
St George Illawarra were considered to be in the box seat to sign Keary.
It’s been reported that the deal will be finalised on Monday but can’t be announced for 10 days because of the NRL’s cooling off period.
Keary’s move to the Roosters will have major ramifications for the Dragons, who saw him as a replacement for veteran half Benji Marshall.
stu
Guest
Poms - that's a long list - but 'lost' is not the right word - half of them were over the hill and wouldn't make first grade spot at most clubs. When you have 2 players that take up a big % of your salary cap, things are not going to work out well. I'm not a souths supporter, but I think they don't have a decent #9 and absolutely no pace in the backline. I like Brown and Carter - they could build around these two.
Pomeroy007
Roar Rookie
Luke Keary is best off the bench, he was a decent player in 2014 but the last couple of seasons he has gone missing. He clearly showed against Parramatta last week how bad he is when he needs to steer a team around the park granted the forwards were average but I dont see the Rabbitohs losing much at all as Cody is more dynamic and creates chances.. So since their 2014 GF win the Rabbitohs have lost, Ben Teo, Lote Tuqiri, Apasai Koroisau, Nathan Merritt, Beau Champion, Joel Reddy, Glen Stewart, Issac Luke, Tim Grant ,Chris McQueen, Dylan Walker, Chris Grevsmuhl and Luke Keary.. That is 13 players lots of experience talent there and in that time picked up the likes of Nathan Brown, Paul Carter, Michael Oldfield, Dane Nielsen.. Not bagging the gains we have had in the last two years but it clearly tells a story why the Rabbitohs are currently 13th on the NRL table in 2016, unfortunately I cant see them winning many if any games as we run now towards the back end of the season. Bring on the recruitment team for a better squad in 2017, without the cattle the coach cannot work miracles. Regards pomeroy007
Worlds Biggest
Guest
With Kearys departure, that will free up approx 450-500 k to sign a good forward and retain Brown hopefully. I think Madge has seen enough of Cody Walker to be the 6 moving forward. GI into the Centres.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I wonder how much his pay price dropped after last Friday's game?
MAX
Guest
You're priceless Muzz.
paul
Guest
Keary a very good player and gtear pick up y the chooks .hes not happy at souths and dont forget had won a gf. Great tough pairing next year .
Muzz
Guest
Your adopting another Burgess. Joe is his name. Looks like a fair trade, Costa. Apparently the Storm are very interested in Hastings. Another interstate club with no salary cap.
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Haha, quarantine. Made me laugh Rooster Muzz!!
G
Guest
Hopefully Hastings comes home then
DJ
Guest
Keary is overrated , little to offer in attack. He can't make a break except against tired defence as a sub . He had a good late half in 2014 since he was new to the scene . Now that opposition teams know he can't threaten , they just wait for him to pass the ball .
stu
Guest
Both Keary & Hasting come with attitude problems - don't like criticism from anyone. Both over rated, but Hastings MIGHT be able to improve if he gets away from Bondi. Keary will only get worse - good luck to the roosters.
Muzz
Guest
Hi MAX, After a short stint in quarantine Keary will be a good acquisition. Pearce, Keary halves pairing works for me. There are issues between Hastings and a number of players which is why Hastings will be moved on. We did well yesterday against the Warriors considering how many rookies played and the reaming Maxwell inflicted.There was zero spark though! Keary may have made a difference. We have also signed J Mansour which will be announced shortly.
MAX
Guest
Agreed TB. Jackson is on P Plates. By end of 2017 he will be one of their best. Be good to know what Muzz thinks .
The Barry
Roar Guru
If true the rift between Robinson and Hastings must be something. You take these reports with a grain of salt but the evidence is stacking up. I wouldn't have thought a half is what they need with Pearce, Hastings, Nikorima and Matterson at the club. I'd have Hastings any day of the week over Keary.
DJ
Guest
Keary is overrated , very little to offer In attack , had a good few weeks in 2014 when he was new in the nrl . Can't make a break at all unless a sub against tired defence . The opposition sides know this now . - he is just an average player
Soda
Guest
Good for dragons really. Neither keary or benji are what the dragons need. they are both, although brilliant at times, not the composed team player that the dragons are missing.