The Sydney Roosters are a strong chance of signing Dale Copley in a move that could gift superstar centre Michael Jennings to Parramatta.

The Eels have so far missed out in a centre silly season that has resulted in them losing Will Hopoate to Canterbury, Jamal Idris walking away from rugby league indefinitely, Dylan Walker joining Manly, Tim Lafai shifting from the Bulldogs to St George Illawarra, Delouise Hoeter being released by Wests Tigers and James Roberts swapping the Gold Coast for Brisbane after a contract forgery dispute.

However, Fairfax Media can reveal the blue and golds could be the biggest winners in an unprecedented off-season for the movement of contracted players. While playing for the Penrith, Jennings famously said he hated everything western rivals Parramatta represented. Despite being contracted to the Roosters, the NSW and Australian centre could make a shock switch to the Eels.

While the Roosters would like to keep Jennings, they are trying to free up salary cap room that would be used for, among other things, ensuring the retention of in-demand forward Boyd Cordner. The Broncos are trying to offload Copley after snaring Roberts and the Roosters are hopeful of picking him up for about a third of the contract money that Jennings is on. The fact Brisbane may be prepared to pay part of Copley's freight could make the deal even more appealing, meaning Jennings could be squeezed out of a star-studded Roosters line-up. It is understood Cordner has recently changed management firms to join the same agency as Copley and Jennings.