NRL
Michael Cheika will leave the Sydney Roosters at the end of the 2026 NRL season after being appointed head coach of the NSW Waratahs for 2027.
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The move back to Rugby Union means Trent Robinson will lose another member of his coaching staff at the conclusion of the season, with long-time Roosters assistant Matt King also recently appointed to take over as NSW Blues coach.
Cheika only joined the Roosters ahead of the 2026 campaign as forwards coach and club coaching specialist, bringing a vastly different perspective after spending the majority of his decorated coaching career in rugby union.
His impact has coincided with an outstanding season at Bondi, with the Roosters currently sitting on top of the NRL ladder and firmly in the hunt for another premiership heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
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Cheika will remain with the Roosters for the remainder of their premiership campaign before formally beginning his new role with the Waratahs in November.
For Cheika, the appointment represents a return to familiar territory after previously leading the Waratahs to their first Super Rugby championship in 2014.
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The 59-year-old went on to coach the Wallabies, guiding Australia to The Rugby Championship title and the Rugby World Cup final in 2015, before later taking charge of Argentina and leading them to the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup.
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His brief move into the NRL has added another chapter to an extraordinary coaching résumé, but the Roosters will now need to replace the experience he brought to Robinson’s football department after just one season.
Robinson praised Cheika’s contribution to the club, particularly his work with the forward pack and his ability to build relationships throughout the playing group.
“Cheik has brought a huge amount to our group this year. His knowledge and experience are obvious, but it’s his passion for coaching and his ability to connect with people that have really stood out,” Robinson said.
Cheika has made it clear his immediate priority remains the Roosters, with a potential premiership still to play for before he makes his return to rugby union.
His departure nevertheless leaves the Roosters facing a significant reshuffle of their coaching staff for 2027, with both Cheika and King now preparing to take up high-profile head coaching positions elsewhere.
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