JUST NOW: Geelong Cats  𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 Sydney rooster 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙩𝙤𝙥-𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙏𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙘 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜-𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙢 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡 — 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙍𝙇 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙. READ MORE 👇🏿

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through both the AFL and NRL landscapes, the Geelong Cats have reportedly edged ahead of the Sydney Roosters to lock in a top-performing Gold Coast Titans star on a historic long-term deal.

The cross-code coup, finalised late on Tuesday night, is being described by insiders as one of the most audacious recruitment plays in modern Australian sport. Geelong’s ability to outmanoeuvre the Roosters — long considered a powerhouse destination for elite talent — has stunned fans, commentators, and club officials alike.

Sources close to the negotiations suggest the Cats’ pitch centred on long-term security, elite development pathways, and a vision that extends well beyond on-field success. The deal is believed to be one of the longest and most lucrative ever offered to a player transitioning from the NRL, underlining Geelong’s determination to remain at the forefront of innovation and competitiveness.

The Titans star, who has been among the Gold Coast’s most consistent performers over recent seasons, had been heavily linked with the Roosters amid speculation of a code switch or marquee signing. Many believed Sydney’s financial muscle and premiership pedigree would seal the deal — until Geelong made its decisive late move.

Reaction across the NRL world has been swift and intense. Former players and analysts have described the signing as a “game-changer,” warning rival clubs that AFL teams are increasingly willing to think outside traditional boundaries to secure elite talent.

For Geelong, the acquisition reinforces their reputation as one of the competition’s smartest and boldest operators. For the Roosters, it marks a rare recruiting setback — and a reminder that even the most powerful clubs are no longer guaranteed first choice.

Official confirmation from both clubs is expected within days, with further details of the contract and the player’s transition plan set to emerge soon.

One thing is already clear: this is a move that could reshape recruitment strategies across both codes for years to come.