It’s just two and a half months until the November 1 recruitment frenzy gets underway, with a raft of superstars effectively set to become free agents on that date.
When this year’s transfer deadline ticks over, teams around the league will now have to compete for signatures with an expansion club — Perth Bears — with an entire $12 million salary cap at its disposal.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down each team’s list of players that can negotiate with rivals from November 1.
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RAIDERS
Players off contract: Michael Asomua, Adam Cook, Ata Mariota, Simi Sasagi, Morgan Smithies, Manaia Waitere
Analysis: The Raiders should preference re-signing Ata Mariota and locking him down long term. When Josh Papalii retires or leaves the club at the end of next season, Mariota can slot in and become the team’s starting front-rower alongside Joe Tapine. Mariota has had an outstanding season in 2025, providing plenty of punch off the bench for the table-topping Raiders. The versatile Simi Sasagi has emerged to become an important part of Canberra’s rotation this season. He’s mostly been used off the bench, but has filled in for Hudson Young on an edge and has also started games in the centres. Ricky Stuart has sung Sasagi’s praises several times in the second half of the season so you better believe the Raiders will be doing everything in their power to keep him in green. Although, Sasagi might want to see what is out there as he is currently starting on the pine. Elsewhere, he may be given the chance to start. Adam Cook is a solid reserve grader who provides some halfback depth, which will be needed in 2026 with Jamal Fogarty leaving and a young, inexperienced Ethan Sanders set to take over.
– Daniel Nuttall
BRONCOS
Players off contract end of 2026: Jesse Arthars, Coby Black, Payne Haas, Adam Reynolds, Josh Rogers, Billy Walters
Analysis: Payne Haas became the highest-paid prop in the game when he re-signed with the Broncos in 2023, and he may well reset the market again whenever he puts pen to paper on another deal, whether that is with the Broncos or one of the 17 other teams. At this stage, the Broncos are the firm favourites to keep Haas, with the club already making moves to lock down the star prop on a long term deal. Haas’ agent Ahmad Merhi has already stated on the record that his client is going to stay put in Brisbane despite the potential allure of a massive money offer from the Perth Bears to make him the face of the franchise. Winger Jesse Arthars is a solid player but he’s fallen down the pecking order at the Broncos in recent weeks. There would be several other teams he’d start for so it’s likely he will meet with rival clubs from November 1. Adam Reynolds is expected to retire at the end of next season but if there is any potential extension that gets done, it won’t happen for another 9-12 months as was the case this year. 19yo Coby Black is being touted as the club’s halfback of the future although it’s worth noting that the Broncos signed Cowboys young gun Tom Duffy from next season. Black hasn’t been tested in first grade just yet but he has been coming along quite nicely in QLD Cup this year. Billy Walters has arguably had his best season as a Bronco. The 31-year-old isn’t getting any younger but he’s proven to be a key and versatile piece for Michael Maguire. Given his age, and deal for him might not be announced until next season.
– Daniel Nuttall
COWBOYS
Players off contract end of 2026: John Bateman, Braidon Burns, Tom Chester, Jake Clifford, Harrison Edwards, Kaiden Lahrs, Karl Lawton, Sam McIntyre, Griffin Neame, Kai O’Donnell, Jaxson Paulo, Jaxon Purdue, Murray Taulagi
Analysis: Cowboys fans will be up in arms if their club doesn’t come to an agreement with Jaxon Purdue, who is a rising superstar. The 20-year-old has been supurb in his first full season in the NRL. While he wants to play in the halves, the Cowboys and Purdue have been at their best when he’s played at left centre. A permanent switch to five-eighth will likely be in the Cowboys’ future plans and will be a selling point that the club puts to Purdue when they sit down with him. Born and raised in North Queensland, the Cowboys are clear favourites to retain Purdue, but if a deal isn’t done by November 1, there will be several teams aiming to throw their hat into the ring. Murray Taulagi is one of the games’ premier wingers and should be a priority for the Cowboys. As should Sam McIntyre. Tough as nails and a versatile forward, McIntyre is currently sidelined with injury, but he impressed this season in a range of positions and is a real barometer for this side. Tom Chester is talented but has been luckless with injuries.
– Daniel Nuttall
BULLDOGS
Players off contract end of 2026: Josh Curran, Kade Dykes, Lipoi Hopoi, Samuel Hughes, Viliame Kikau, Zyon Maiu’u, Kurt Mann, Marcelo Montoya, Jack Todd, Connor Tracey, Enari Tuala
Analysis: Viliame Kikau and Connor Tracey are both off contract at the end of 2026, and will be the highest priorities as far as retention is concerned for the Bulldogs. Tracey has been sensational at fullback for Canterbury, and has phenomenal numbers in 2025. Tracey leads the NRL for kick return metres (1,741), is second in the competition for run metres (3,831), support play (149), and third for runs (401). Tracey started at the club as a winger early in the 2024 season, but has made the fullback spot his own and would attract huge interest if he hit the open market. Kikau has also posed a real danger to opposition teams. He leads the NRL for charge downs with five this season, and has the fifth most offloads in the competition with 43. Kurt Mann, who made his State of Origin debut for Queensland this season, is another player off contract at the end of 2026. Mann re-signed with the Bulldogs earlier this year, but that was only on a one-year deal.
– Daniel Ramus
SHARKS
Players off contract end of 2026: Blayke Brailey, Billy Burns, Jesse Colquhoun, Michael Gabrael, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Tuku Hau Tapuha, KL Iro, Sione Katoa, Cameron McInnes, Hohepa Puru, Niwhai Puru, Jesse Ramien, Toby Rudolf, Siosifa Talakai, Chris Vea’ila
Analysis: Plenty of big decisions to be made by Sharks powerbrokers as there are several stars that will be free to negotiate with rivals in just under three months. Hooker Blayke Brailey has to be a priority for Cronulla. He’s been among the game’s best at the position in 2025 and will be a warm favourite to win the club’s best and fairest medal. It was reported three weeks ago that the Sharks made an initial offer, but that will have to be amended much higher if they want to keep Brailey. He could command up to $1 million a season from rival clubs, so if they are to retain their hooker, Cronulla will have to shed some salary cap. Two players the club are considering let walk early are Siosifa Talakai and Braden Hamlin-Uele. Both have one more year left on their deals but Hamlin-Uele already being granted permission to speak with rivals. KL Iro was in super form before his season-ending injury. A powerhouse centre in defence, Iro was one of the best attacking centres in the NRL this season before going down with a nasty pec injury. He scored a try in all nine games this season. Cameron McInnes might have played his last game for the club. The 31 year-old suffered a serious knee injury over the weekend and will spend a significant amount of time on the sideline. The Bears have McInnes on their ‘hit list’ meaning he could be swayed away from Cronulla with an offer too good to refuse. Edge forward Billy Burns has enjoyed a great season and could be in line for an extension but given he’s behind Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton on the depth chart, he could look for a starting role elsewhere. If Brailey and Iro are key retention targets, Jesse Ramien shouldn’t be far behind in the club’s focus, nor should Sione Katoa. Both are talented gamebreakers who make this team better, but if the Sharks have to throw big money at the likes of Brailey, Cronulla might not be able to fit both Ramien and Katoa under their cap.
– Daniel Nuttall
DOLPHINS
Players off contract end of 2026: Jake Averillo, Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, Max Feagai, Trai Fuller, Jamayne Isaako, Oryn Keeley, Connelly Lemuelu, Francis Molo, Kodi Nikorima, Brad Schneider, Ray Stone
Analysis: The Dolphins aren’t prepared to allow Herbie Farnworth to hit the open market on November 1, with The Courier-Mail reporting last month they want to lock the 25-year-old in on a long-term deal worth around $1 million per season. Selwyn Cobbo will join the Dolphins in 2026 on a one-year deal, but there are already calls for him to return to the Broncos in 2027. Broncos utility Billy Walters has said he is hopeful Cobbo will be back at the club in the future, and Cobbo himself has indicated he may return to Brisbane. “With the salary cap, that’s footy. You won’t always get the team you always want to get. I will do one year at the Dolphins and who knows what happens, I could be back here in a couple of years,” Cobbo was quoted as saying by Yahoo. Meanwhile, there were reports Kodi Nikorima could be part of a swap deal for Warrington halfback George Williams, but that was vehemently denied by Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf.
– Daniel Ramus
TITANS
Players off contract end of 2026: Jayden Campbell, Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Carter Gordon, Jaimin Jolliffe, Brian Kelly, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, Phillip Sami, Sam Verrills
Analysis: There may be high turnover at the struggling Titans next season with several stars set to go off contract. Jayden Campbell is set to receive a big money offer from the Perth Bears, with the talented playmaker on the expansion’s club reported ‘hit list’. Campbell has taken great strides this season but the Titans may not have the deep pockets to match any Bears offer given they have a lot of their salary cap tied to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Mo Fotuaika, Keano Kini, AJ Brimson. Campbell has been solid as a half this year, but there’s a view around the league that his best position is at fullback. With Kini and Brimson on the books long term, the Titans may let Campbell head elsewhere. David Fifita is seemingly on the outer at the Titans, although that could change if Des Hasler is fired. There have been reports he’s angling for an early release to join Souths. Beau Fermor should be more of a priority for the Titans. He fills a need on the edge where he can look like a world beater at times. His form this season saw him rewarded with a maiden Queensland jersey. Two players who are set to be on the way out are outside backs Brian Kelly and Phil Sami. It has been reported that their deals won’t be renewed for 2027.
– Daniel Nuttall
SEA EAGLES
Players off contract end of 2026: Nathan Brown, Lachlan Croker, Reuben Garrick, Simione Laiafi, Matthew Lodge, Jake Simpkin, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic
Analysis: Tom Trbojevic and Jake Trbojevic are both off contract at the end of 2026. Back in June, The Sydney Morning Herald reported the Sea Eagles had opened discussions with the brothers regarding contract extensions. According to the report, Tom has no intention of playing against the Sea Eagles, and would prefer to join the Super League than play against Manly for another NRL club. Earlier this season, it was reported that Jake was staring down the barrel of a $400,000 pay cut if he was to remain with Manly, given his current salary is around $1 million per season. Jake has also suffered three bad concussions in the last four months, which puts his long-term future in some doubt. As for Tom, injury has restricted him again this season, to just 15 games. His injury history may also force him to take a pay cut if he stays with the club. Tom’s current salary is a reported $1.2 million a season.
– Daniel Ramus
STORM
Players off contract end of 2026: Shawn Blore, Xavier Coates, Harry Grant, Tui Kamikamica, Nick Meaney, Will Warbrick, Tyran Wishart
Analysis: Hooker Harry Grant is on the radar of the Perth Bears. The Bears are free to start signing players on November 1 this year for their first season in the competition in 2027. According to Zero Tackle, the Bears reportedly view Grant as a marquee signing target. With the expansion club keen to make him an offer, Grant spoke about his future earlier this month. He said he was in no hurry to sit down with the Storm. “As a player and a club, we’ve all got really good relationships. Those conversations (have) happened but that’ll come when the time’s right and just got to be delicate (about) when that is as well,” Grant said. Xavier Coates has already held talks with Storm powerbrokers regarding a contract extension, while Nick Meaney signed a one-year extension for 2026 only back in April, so any news on his future beyond then may be a little while away.
– Daniel Ramus
WARRIORS
Players off contract end of 2026: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Analysis: Last month, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was close to signing with the Saudi-backed Rugby 360 competition on a deal nearing $1 million a season. Given Tuivasa-Sheck will be on about $550,000 next season with the Warriors, the 2018 Dally M Medallist would nearly double his salary if he jumped ship. Warriors halfback Luke Metcalf also comes off contract at the end of 2026. Given that Metcalf was leading the Dally M Medal count when voting went behind closed doors earlier this season, the Warriors will be keen to lock in his services on a long-term contract. There have been suggestions that the Rabbitohs should make a play for Metcalf. Queensland State of Origin forward Kurt Capewell is also likely to attract significant interest once he hits the open market.
– Daniel Ramus
KNIGHTS
Players off contract end of 2026: Thomas Cant, Jack Cogger, Wilson De Courcey, Tyson Frizell, Dane Gagai, Tyson Gamble, Brodie Jones, Greg Marzhew
Analysis: It’s been a disappointing season for Newcastle, and it could see the club move on from several players on this list in somewhat of a semi-rebuild. Dane Gagai, who just signed on for 2026 with the Knights, and Tyson Frizell will both be 35 by the end of next season. There’s every chance both will hang up the boots at that stage so don’t expect new deals to be struck with the Knights this year. Winger Greg Marzhew has regressed this year. He’s a metre eater coming out of his own half, but has become much less of a tryscoring threat. In just 16 games this season, he has only crossed for four tries. He will garner some interest from other clubs. The Knights meanwhile, might want to see more from him next season before considering an extension offer. Tyson Gamble has been in and out of the first grade side and has so far shown he isn’t the answer in the halves. With Dylan Brown coming to the club on a $13 million deal, Gamble may be shopped around sooner than November 1. How he plays will depend on if he earns another contract with the club. Jack Cogger has had some sound moments but has failed to fire on several occasions during his two-year stint with Newcastle. He has been linked with a move back to the Panthers as soon as next season. Thomas Cant’s form this season has been solid at best. After playing in just four games in 2023-2024, he’s appeared in 15 games this season. He won’t have a line up of suitors but a strong end to the season will drive up his value. Middle forward Brodie Jones has been a decent performer and the Knights may be interested in re-upping him for a year.
– Daniel Nuttall
EELS
Players off contract end of 2026: Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Doorey, Charlie Guymer, Brendan Hands, Dean Hawkins, Toni Mataele, Ryan Matterson, Junior Paulo, Richard Penisini, Will Penisini, Sean Russell, Kelma Tuilagi, Ronald Volkman, Dylan Walker
Analysis: The Eels sit in a precarious position ahead of the November 1 free agency deadline. Jason Ryles has gone about reshaping his squad, and two names on this list could be on the move. Brendan Hands and Ryan Matterson have already been loaned out for the 2025 season, joining Toulouse Olympique and Warrington Wolves respectively. Parramatta bosses will be hoping they can find permanent moves to open space on their salary cap, while it remains to be seen if several other stars will be re-signed. Josh Addo-Carr is arguably the biggest name who will come off contract, but has been solid since arriving this season and the club will do what they can to retain his services. Dylan Walker also secured a release from the Warriors, signing on until the end of 2026 and the former Origin star has been impressive in the middle of the park. He’s another priority re-signing for the Eels, while Charlie Guymer, Matt Doorey and Kelma Tuilagi are strong chances of being retained in the forwards after becoming key figures under Ryles. Junior Paulo’s situation sits at a crossroads and he will be almost 33 by the time his current deal runs out. The Eels could look to retain his leadership, being one of the club’s most experienced players but it remains to be seen if he will be handed a fresh deal despite being a first grade regular. Will Penisini, alongside his brother Richard, are also both off-contract and the pair could be a target of expansion franchises in a package deal. Will Penisini is a regular starter though, and the Eels will do what they can to retain the talented outside back. A halves shootout also looms between Dean Hawkins and Ronald Volkman, with Hawkins being the preferred option of that pairing while Joash Papalii has leapfrogged both of them in the pecking order. It’s unlikely both will remain at the club with Lorenzo Talataina emerging as an impressive talent through the club’s pathways system, now playing in NSW Cup.
– Tom Sargeant
PANTHERS
Players off contract end of 2026: Jack Cole, Matthew Eisenhuth, Luke Garner, Liam Henry, Lindsay Smith, Scott Sorensen, Trent Toelau
Analysis: A fairly quiet free agency for the Panthers, considering the players they’ve lost in recent years. Penrith’s powerbrokers will almost certainly focus on retaining key middle forwards Liam Henry and Lindsay Smith. With the departures of James Fisher-Harris and Ativalu Lisati last season, Ivan Cleary would prefer not to lose Smith and Henry, who have become key figures in the reigning premier’s forward pack. Reports have already emerged Smith is negotiating a new long-term contract, with a source informing the SMH the club want to make him a Panther for life. The 25-year-old made his Kangaroos debut last year and was named in Laurie Daley’s NSW squad earlier this season. Henry, meanwhile, could test his value on the open market according to The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read. “He might head to November 1 because they haven’t come to the table with an offer yet,” Read said in early August. “Speaking with his management, they want to get a deal done. “The club’s actually reached out to him in the past week or two and said, just wait, we’ll get something done, we want to keep him, but as it stands, he’s heading to November 1.” Scott Sorensen is also a key figure under Ivan Cleary and it remains to be seen if he will be offered a new deal, while Luke Garner reportedly had been given permission to negotiate with rivals earlier this year for 2026. But Ivan Cleary poured cold water on that move, revealing he will see out his current deal. Jack Cole could be on the move after falling down the halves pecking order, with Blaize Talagi now the nailed on No.6. It also remains to be seen if Matt Eisenhuth and Trent Toelau will be offered contracts beyond their current deals.
– Tom Sargeant
RABBITOHS
Players off contract end of 2026: Moala Graham-Taufa, Jye Gray, Jamie Humphreys, Sean Keppie, Keaon Koloamatangi, Liam Le Blanc, Fletcher Myers
Analysis: Not too many set to go off contract at the end of next season. The glaringly obvious name that Rabbitohs fans will want their club to lock up before November 1 is Keaon Koloamatangi. The middle forward was outstanding this season and one of the few bright spots for Souths in a tough 2025 campaign, going close to earning a Blues recall. For what it’s worth, he signed a two-year extension with the club in 2023 in the October before the deadline. The fact he only inked two years could be an indication he wanted to see where the club was at this time. If that’s the case, Keaon Koloamatangi may look to get out of a struggling Rabbitohs team in search of greener pastures. One of the other rare bright spots this season has been Jye Gray. The diminutive fullback has proven time and time again he has to be in the Rabbitohs’ best 17. If Latrell Mitchell is willing to commit to a permanent shift to the centres, Gray should be a priority signing for Souths. Liam Le Blanc has been solid in a reserve role for the Bunnies this year. Halfback Jamie Humphreys started the year on fire but has regressed over the past couple of months. With that said, he’s shown that when on, he is good enough to be a starting halfback in this league. He’ll be battling with rising star Jonah Glover for the No. 7 jersey in the off-season. Outside back Fletcher Myers has already been tapped on the shoulder and is set to leave the club at season’s end.
– Daniel Nuttall
DRAGONS
Players off contract end of 2026: Damien Cook, Mathew Feagai, Emre Guler, Lachlan Ilias, Blake Lawrie, Nathan Lawson, Luciano Leilua, Michael Molo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Hame Sele, Tyrell Sloan, Christian Tuipulotu
Analysis: Last month, Tyrell Sloan was granted permission to negotiate with other clubs. The Panthers have reportedly shown interest in Sloan, according to Zero Tackle, and he has been linked with Catalans in the Super League. Lachlan Ilias hasn’t had the season he would have hoped for at the Dragons. Ilias has played just seven games in the NRL this season, the last of those coming way back on Anzac Day. Ilias has been stuck behind Kyle Flanagan, which is harsh, considering he has guided the Dragons to third spot on the NSW Cup ladder. But it should be pointed out the Dragons’ NSW Cup form has dipped in recent times, going winless from their last four games. With Sharks playmaker Daniel Atkinson joining the Dragons next season, further adding to their stocks in the halves, it’s hard to see Ilias getting a look-in and his best option may to be explore other opportunities, possibly in the Super League. Veteran Damien Cook will be nearly 36 when his Dragons contract comes to an end after the 2026 season, so he may well hang up the boots.
– Daniel Ramus
ROOSTERS
Players off contract end of 2026: Angus Crichton, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Sandon Smith, Blake Steep, James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Xavier Va’a, Siua Wong
Analysis: Several huge Roosters’ names come off contract at the end next season. James Tedesco headlines those. The skipper has had a sensational year and is a live chance of collecting his second Dally M medal. The 32-year-old has more than earned himself an extension for 2027 and potentially 2028. The Roosters won’t let him sign anywhere else and Tedesco is unlikely to want to go elsewhere. Angus Crichton is another player the Roosters will be fighting hard to retain. The edge forward has reportedly told his agent that he only wants to play for the Roosters in the NRL but has also signalled a desire to switch to rugby union. The chance to follow good friend and former Roosters teammate Joseph Suaalii to union and potentially represent Australia in the 2027 Rugby World Cup could prove alluring. Former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase has already switched codes, but he hasn’t ruled out a return to the 15-man code. The 24-year-old has publicly admitted that he only signed a two-year deal with the Roosters to leave the door open for a return to rugby before the quadrennial event on home soil. Blake Steep has impressed in patches at NRL level this year. Tasked with a larger role because of the departure of several stars in the off-season, Steep has become a fixture in the Roosters’ line up, playing in 19 of 21 games. The young gun is sure to garner plenty of interest from rivals. Sandon Smith is on this list for now, but he’s expected to link up with a rival team from next season.
– Daniel Nuttall
TIGERS
Players off contract end of 2026: Jack Bird, Sione Fainu, Mavrik Geyer, Tristan Hope, Kit Laulilii, Luke Laulilii, Heath Mason, Solomone Saukuru, Jeral Skelton, Tony Sukkar
Analysis: Much has been made about the form of his brothers Samuela and Latu, but Sione Fainu has enjoyed just as good a season. The older Fainu has been excellent in the middle during the Tigers’ recent purple patch. He’s done enough to earn an extension from the club, which is likely as Fainu will no doubt want to continue playing alongside his brothers. Jeral Skelton should be a key retention target as well for the joint venture club. He has proven a handful for opposition backlines when he’s had ball in hand, but the highlight has been his hard-hitting defence. He’s a player on an upward spiral and the club should be working hard to signing him to a new deal before rival teams are given the chance. Jack Bird is set to be one casualty in the off-season, with the Tigers giving him permission to leave the club early.
– Daniel Nuttall
