Victor Radley is set to return sooner than anticipated for the Sydney Roosters after the club decided to reduce his suspension from ten matches to nine.
The forward faced a hefty ban due to his involvement in a drug-related incident last year, but he will now only serve nine games.
Radley has already missed three Test matches for England, two pre-season games, and four NRL fixtures. However, the Roosters have determined that this week’s bye will count towards his suspension.
“The Sydney Roosters have announced today that Victor Radley will be eligible for NRL selection starting from round six of the 2026 season,” the club revealed in an official statement.
“Radley received the most severe penalty ever imposed on a player in our club’s history back in September 2025.”
“Following a proposal presented to the Sydney Roosters board by director of football Mitchell Aubusson and head coach Trent Robinson regarding the efforts Radley has made since the sanction, the board has unanimously agreed to allow Radley to be available for selection from round six onwards.”
Victor Radley. Getty
Radley’s suspension included a pay freeze for ten weeks and a $30,000 fine that will be donated to St Vincent’s Hospital.
The Roosters suspended Radley following his involvement in a police investigation concerning former teammate Brandon Smith, though Radley himself was not charged.
Radley’s absence has coincided with an inconsistent start to the Roosters’ campaign.
Catch the 2026 NRL season live and free on Nine and 9Now.
In the opening round, Trent Robinson’s side suffered a heavy 42-18 defeat against the Warriors, followed by a 26-18 victory over their arch rivals, South Sydney.
A subsequent match resulted in another comprehensive 40-4 loss to the Panthers, but the Roosters displayed flashes of their potential with a 33-16 win over Manly, leading to the sacking of Anthony Seibold as Sea Eagles coach.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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