The NRL's November 1 feeding frenzy is approaching, and teams are gearing up for a busy period of contract negotiations. With the tax-free contracts the incoming Chiefs can offer looming as a major threat, several stars are set to hit the open market. Teams are jostling to retain their key players, and the salary cap implications of the NRL's $5.3 billion broadcast deal will play a significant role in players' decisions. Here's a breakdown of the key players and potential targets for each team, with a focus on the upcoming free agency period.
Broncos
- Players of contract end of 2027: Ben Hunt, Corey Jensen, Philip Coates, Dane Gagai, Xavier Willison, Josiah Karapani, Deine Mariner, Blake Mozer, Brendan Piakura, Aublix Tawha, Ben Talty.
- Analysis: The Broncos have locked up their main stars beyond 2027, so they won't be under pressure to retain core players. Ben Hunt and Dane Gagai's final seasons are likely to be in the NRL. Young gun wingers Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner are priorities, but Karapani's off-field indiscretions may be a concern. Brendan Piakura's injury history could impact contract negotiations. The Broncos are set to lose top forward Payne Haas, and they've signed Mitch Barnett to replace him.
- Potential targets: The Broncos might target another top prop, like Moses Leota, to bolster their forwards. Paul Alamoti could form a great centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs. They might also target a dummy half, like Wayde Egan, to support Reece Walsh.
Raiders
- Players off contract end of 2027: Jayden Brailey, Corey Horsburgh, Sebastian Kris, Myles Martin, Matty Nicholson, Ethan Sanders, Xavier Savage, Tom Starling, Chevy Stewart, Hudson Young.
- Analysis: Hudson Young is a key retention target, having shown consistent improvement. Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses of potential, but the Raiders may be patient. Matty Nicholson's body has let him down, and Corey Horsburgh may need to take a pay cut to stay. Xavier Savage is a game-breaker when on form. Owen Pattie is the club's hooker of the future.
- Potential targets: The Raiders need to address their forward pack, with Josh Papalii leaving and potential losses for Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies. They might target a halfback or another forward.
Bulldogs
- Players off contract end of 2027: Matt Burton, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Alekolasimi Jones, Max King, Sean O'Sullivan, Jacob Preston, Jethro Rinakama, Jaeman Salmon, Logan Spinks, Mitchell Woods, Bronson Xerri.
- Analysis: Jacob Preston's contract negotiations broke down over his asking price. The Bulldogs need a ball-playing lock, and Tallis Duncan is a versatile option. Max King needs to be locked down as a prop. Mitchell Woods' injury history is a concern.
- Potential targets: The Bulldogs might target a prop, like David Fifita, or a centre to support Burton and Salmon.
Sharks
- Players off contract end of 2027: Thomas Dellow, Michael Gabrael, Liam Ison, Oregon Kaufusi, William Kennedy, Briton Nikora, Riley Pollard, Teig Wilton.
- Analysis: The Sharks have a stable roster, but several players are leaving. Will Kennedy has signed consecutive one-year deals, indicating a search for an upgrade. Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton are key back-rowers.
- Potential targets: Kennedy's one-year deals suggest a search for an upgrade. The Sharks might target a fullback or another forward.
Dolphins
- Players off contract end of 2027: Jack Bostock, Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, John Fineanganofo, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Tom Flegler, Trai Fuller, Felise Kaufusi, Morgan Knowles, Connelly Lemuelu, Tevita Naufahu, LJ Nonu, Elijah Rasmussen, Sebastian Su'a, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.
- Analysis: The Dolphins need to retain their star backline, including Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, and Jack Bostock. Bostock and Cobbo's prices will rise after their Origin debuts. Herbie Farnworth wants to stay, but the Roosters are circling.
- Potential targets: The Dolphins need to strengthen their defence and might target a halfback or another forward.
Titans
- Players off contract end of 2027: Cooper Bai, Adam Christensen, Jaylan De Groot, Max Feagai, Jojo Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tony Francis, Brock Gray, Zane Harrison, Lachlan Ilias, Sunny Kama, Oliver Pascoe, Josh Patston, Chris Randall, Luke Sommerton, Jensen Taumoepeau.
- Analysis: Josh Hannay is trying to lock down Zane Harrison, who has shown promise. Jojo Fifita is a key retention target. Oliver Pascoe continues to improve.
- Potential targets: The Titans need more support in the middle and might target a forward like J'maine Hopgood or a prop like Xavier Willison.
Sea Eagles
- Players off contract end of 2027: Luke Brooks, Zach Dockar-Clay, Hugo Hart, Lehi Hopoate, Onitoni Large, Zaidas Muagututia, Caleb Navale, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Corey Waddell, Navren Willett, Blake Wilson.
- Analysis: The Trbojevic brothers are free agents, and Tom's future is uncertain. Luke Brooks is recovering from an ACL injury.
- Potential targets: The Sea Eagles need a prop and might target the Couchman brothers or players like David Fifita or Jeremiah Nanai.
Storm
- Players off contract end of 2027: Xavier Coates, Jack Howarth, Eliesa Katoa, Josh King, Moses Leo, Ativalu Lisati, Cameron Munster, Josiah Pahulu, Stefano Utoikamanu, Manaia Waitere.
- Analysis: Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, and Stefano Utoikamanu are free agents. The Storm need big bodies in the middle, and Utoikamanu should be prioritised.
- Potential targets: The Storm might target a prop or a centre to support their star players.
Warriors
- Players off contract end of 2027: Kahu Capper, Jett Cleary, Wayde Egan, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jackson Ford, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Samuel Healey, Ali Leiataua, Te Maire Martin, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Adam Pompey.
- Analysis: Chanel Harris-Tavita's one-year deal is interesting. Wayde Egan will attract interest. Jackson Ford should be a priority.
- Potential targets: The Warriors might target a centre or another forward if they lose key players.
Cowboys
- Players off contract end of 2027: Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt, Soni Luke, Jeremiah Nanai, Jason Taumalolo, Viliami Vailea.
- Analysis: The Cowboys have a strong roster with key players locked down. Jeremiah Nanai is a priority. Jason Taumalolo may retire.
- Potential targets: The Cowboys might target a prop like Tom Flegler or a forward.
Eels
- Players off contract end of 2027: Josh Addo-Carr, Jack de Belin, Matt Doorey, Harrison Edwards, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, J’maine Hopgood, Kitione Kautoga, Brian Kelly, William Latu, Luca Moretti, Araz Nanva, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Bailey Simonsson, Ryley Smith, Sam Tuivaiti, Jack Williams.
- Analysis: The Eels have a lot of players set to become free agents, but no superstars are 'must re-signs'. Ryley Smith is a promising hooker.
- Potential targets: The Eels might target a five-eighth or a centre to support their existing players.
Panthers
- Players off contract end of 2027: Paul Alamoti, Nathan Cleary, Sione Fonua, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papali'i, Luron Patea, Billy Scott, Blaize Talagi, Brian To'o, Isaah Yeo.
- Analysis: Nathan Cleary is the most prized free agent. The Panthers are confident of retaining him and Yeo. Liam Martin is a priority.
- Potential targets: The Panthers might target an outside back or a prop if key players leave.
Rabbitohs
- Players off contract end of 2027: Euan Aitken, Salesi Ataata, Tallis Duncan, David Fifita, Thomas Fletcher, Bronson Garlick, Jonah Glover, Campbell Graham, Matthew Humphries, Elijah Keung, Edward Kosi, Peter Mamouzelos, Latrell Mitchell, Tyrone Munro, Talanoa Penitani, Latrell Siegwalt, Brandon Smith, Jayden Sullivan, Isaiah Tass, Jack Wighton.
- Analysis: The Rabbitohs have 18 players without deals beyond 2027. Latrell Mitchell is a key player, and Tallis Duncan has improved. David Fifita has proven his worth.
- Potential targets: The Rabbitohs need to strengthen their halves and might target a halfback or another forward.
Dragons
- Players off contract end of 2027: Hayden Buchanan, Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, David Fale, Kyle Flanagan, Clinton Gutherson, Jacob Halangahu, Valentine Holmes, Josh Kerr, Lyhkan King-Togia, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, Cyrus Stanley-Traill, Moses Suli, Nick Tsougranis.
- Analysis: The Dragons need a high-quality dummy-half and might target Wayde Egan or Blake Mozer.
Roosters
- Players off contract end of 2027: Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Jake Elliott, Salesi Foketi, Spencer Leniu, Taylor Losalu, Junior Pauga, Victor Radley, Cody Ramsey, Billy Smith, James Tedesco, De La Salle Va’a, Sam Walker.
- Analysis: The Roosters have some tough decisions, with Sam Walker's value skyrocketing. James Tedesco is a club stalwart.
- Potential targets: The Roosters might target elite players or rugby union stars if they have cap space.
Tigers
- Players off contract end of 2027: Ethan Roberts, Fonua Pole, Jack Madden, Junior Tupou, Latu Fainu, Patrick Herbert, Royce Hunt, Samuela Fainu.
- Analysis: The Tigers are focusing on retaining Latu and Samuela Fainu. Fonua Pole's consistency is a concern.
- Potential targets: The Tigers might target middles or bargain buys to shore up their stocks.
