Could Savala be loaned for 2026 after re-signing?

Sydney Roosters’ great Bryan Fletcher has suggested Hugo Savala could benefit from being loaned for the 2026 season as he battles for a spot in the side’s best line-up.

Savala has reportedly re-signed with the Roosters on a two-year deal, turning down rival offers to remain loyal to his junior club.

The rookie half had a breakout season in 2025, playing 21 games, but faces another year in reserve grade after the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans.

Cherry-Evans will start in the halves alongside Sam Walker, leaving Savala to compete for a utility bench role in a roster stacked with talent.

With NSW hooker Reece Robson also joining a forward pack that includes representative stars Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Lindsay Collins, Victor Radley, Connor Watson, Siua Wong, and Naufahu Whyte, spots are tight.

Fletcher believes Savala could potentially look for a loan deal so he can continue to develop in first grade while stuck down the pecking order at the Roosters.

“Victor's (Radley) going to be out for six weeks, he's got that suspension. I feel that they'll start Connor (Watson) at lock and then have Hugo (Savala) on the bench,” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 Drive.

“Reece Robson has signed so he's going to be obviously at nine… so Hugo will play off the bench.

“When Radley comes back, Connor is the perfect utility, so he would take that 14 jersey which doesn't allow Hugo to be in the squad when you've got Leniu, Egan or Nat Butcher, Steep, Foketi (on the bench)… if everyone's fit, I can't see a spot for Hugo.

“I know that it’s harsh.

“I can see why they're trying to keep him. One, it's good PR, (he's a) local junior. Secondly, DCE may play only that one year, then they've got to call him back.

“Could this be a loan? Is this the perfect opportunity to say, Hugo, maybe go and learn something from a different club. We're going to have you back in 2026.

“I feel he's going to end up in the forwards, whether or not the Roosters can hold on to him, because he'll start getting itchy feet.

“It's all well and good saying I'm a Roosters man, I want to stay here, but if you're playing second grade, and you're watching all these other kids, it's hard to just sit on the sidelines.”

Savala had four tries and 10 try assists in 2025 to cap off a strong rookie year.