Stunning list of stars up for grabs in Nov 1 feeding frenzy... and where they could go — NRL State of Play

The Origin period has ended and we’re nearing the home straight of the NRL regular season, meaning we’re just three months away from the November 1 feeding frenzy.

Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

While several stars are all but certain to hit the open market on November 1, the next few months are intriguing on the retention front as teams jostle to make sure some of their stars are locked away before rival teams have the chance to make a play.

The tax-free contracts the inbound Chiefs can offer is looming as a major threat to these teams and will potentially lead to more players hitting free agency while the NRL’s $5.3 billion broadcast all but surely increasing the salary cap in time will be another interesting element pending free agents will consider before making a decision.

Foxsports.com.au breaks down each team’s entire list of players that can negotiate with rivals from November 1.

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 like Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam and Kotoni Staggs beyond 2027 so they won’t be feeling the pressure to retain their core players. It will surely be Ben Hunt and Dane Gagai’s final seasons in the NRL. Young gun wingers Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner will be priorities to ensure they’ve secured depth in the outside backs, although it’s worth noting that the former is currently on thin ice with the club after a couple of off-field indiscretions this season. Premiership winner and former Australian Schoolboys star Brendan Piakura has a long future ahead of him and the Broncos won’t want him going anywhere given they’ll be without top forward Payne Haas from 2027, but Piakura’s injury and concussion history may give the club pause on tabling a big extension. They’ve signed NSW Origin prop Mitch Barnett to replace Haas – not that he’s really replaceable, however. Jonah Pezet will be trying to nail down the No. 7 jersey in 2027, but there’s still huge question marks over him as their long-term halfback given things haven’t worked out the way he would’ve liked at Parramatta.

Potential targets: While the Broncos have signed Mitch Barnett to replace Payne Haas, they might go for another top prop to bolster their forwards. Four-time premiership winner at Penrith Moses Leota has been linked with a move to several clubs with the Broncos being one. Dane Gagai will need to be replaced after 2027 and Paul Alamoti would form a great centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs. He’s young and has turned himself into one of the game’s best outside backs since joining Penrith. They might target a dummy half too. A crafty hooker to jump from the play-the-ball and ball play to a supporting Reece Walsh would make the Broncos even more lethal. Could they find a way to get Wayde Egan in under the cap?

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: Superstar back rower Hudson Young has indicated he’d like to remain in the nation’s capital and sign an extension. Young should be the club’s first retention target. He’s gone from strength to strength each season and is the heartbeat of the Raiders’ forward pack. There’s just no chance Ricky Stuart lets him walk out the door. There have been some growing pains but Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses throughout his rookie season. If the Raiders are willing to be patient with Sanders, he has the tools to become a special player, but the club probably aren’t in any rush to re-sign the young gun. The final two months of the season could be important. If Sanders regresses, perhaps Canberra think to look elsewhere and allow the halfback hit the open market. Matty Nicholson has been terrific for Canberra when he’s seen the field but his body has let him down. Corey Horsburgh almost left the club a couple of off-seasons ago before he and Stuart patched up their differences. There have been rumblings he will have to take a pay cut if he wants to stay beyond 2027. He is prone to a dumb error or penalty, but he does make this team better and he plays with a passion that Stuart loves. Xavier Savage is a game-breaker on his day but hasn’t shown it enough in 2026. His best football is still in front of him so he should be a key retention target for the Raiders. Owen Pattie is the club’s hooker of the future so if Tom Starling is happy to play second fiddle, he may stay at a cut price deal.

Potential targets: The Raiders do boast one of the NRL’s best forward packs, but Josh Papalii is leaving the club at the end of this season while it’s looking more and more likely Horsburgh will be heading elsewhere when his deal runs out. Morgan Smithies is without a deal for next season so even though the club boasts some young middle forward talent, a lot of experience could be out the door.

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: Will the Bulldogs and emerging star backrower Jacob Preston be able to sort out a deal? Negotiations between the club and player broke down recently over his asking price of around $800,000 a season. It appears he’ll now test himself on the open market and with the PNG Chiefs offering tax-free contracts, he might be lost to the Dogs given Preston’s second row running mate Viliame Kikau is on $850,000 and locked down in Belmore until the end of 2028. The club has indicated to Matt Burton that his next contract offer will resemble that of a centre and not a five-eighth so that means a pay cut. Burton will no doubt be offered more from other clubs like Parramatta who are rumoured to be pencilling him in to be Jarome Luai’s replacement at six. Coach Cameron Ciraldo spoke of Jethro Rinakama of being be 10-year Bulldog on the weekend. Max King emerged as a State of Origin player under Ciraldo and the Dogs need to lock down their props. Mitchell Woods has had a dreaded run with injury but if he can overcome them he’s seen as the long-term halfback to partner Lachlan Galvin in the halves.

Potential targets: They need a ball-playing lock. There’s not many out there, however. Souths youngster Tallis Duncan has already proven he can play at a high standard in the forwards or backs. He won’t break the bank either despite his rise in 2026. A replacement for Preston, for under $700,000 a season, may well be needed too. There’s probably a few clubs who are monitoring the form of David Fifita at Souths. He was once a million-dollar player on the Gold Coast and has played Origin. The Tigers are desperately trying to resign backrower Samuela Fainu, but he’s only 23 and is probably going to hit his peak during his next contract and ticks a lot of boxes. Spencer Leniu has a relationship with Ciraldo from their Penrith days and would be a great fit if they lose King. Royce Hunt would come fairly cheap too if they were looking at him. The Wests prop is probably a little underrated. A centre would be handy to pick up too. Hulking Warriors back Ali Leiataua is making a name for himself across the ditch.

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 had one of, if not the most stable rosters in the comp over the past five years or so, but they are set to go through a bit of a shake up. Several players are heading out the door at the end of this season, including Sione Katoa, Cam McInnes and Jesse Ramien. Will Kennedy has signed consecutive one-year deals including putting pen to paper on an extension just six weeks ago. Since, he’s been in stellar form with the Sharks’ spine one of the hottest in the comp at the minute. Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton are gun back rowers and given the amount of talent who are set to leave the club, Cronulla should have the money to keep both.

Potential targets: Kennedy has been a steady performer over the past few seasons but the one-year deals indicate the Sharks are constantly on the search for an upgrade. Kennedy is a solid, reliable contributer who pops up in the right spot more often than not but perhaps lacks the ability to break the game apart. Cody Ramsey could appeal for Cronulla. A younger option than Kennedy who has an exciting future. His form at fullback filling in for James Tedesco at the Roosters has been excellent and it’s fair to say that more than a few fullback-needy teams have taken notice.

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: Can they keep their star backline foursome of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock and Herbie Farnworth? PNG will surely coming hunting with offers at least one will find too good to refuse. Bostock’s price will shoot through the roof after he made his Origin debut this year while Cobbo’s will too now that he’s found career-best form since leaving Brisbane. Farnworth has indicated that he wants to stay but there’s been rumours that the Roosters are circling. Many have been surprised by the fact the club hasn’t resigned Kodi Nikorima beyond this season as Super League halfback George Williams prepares for another stint in Australia. Penrith are keen to offer Ray Stone a one-year deal.

Potential targets: This side is flooded with talent in the backs and has one of the best halfbacks in the competition leading them around. With Max Plath emerging as a State of Origin star at lock, they’re fairly well-rounded. While they’re great with the ball, they have let themselves down defensively and need to stiffen up the middle of the park. Luron Patea is behind Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith at Penrith. Teams have had success signing Panthers who can’t make the starting side due to all their premiership winners holding them back. Patea is only 21 and comes from an uncompromising system built on toughness. There’s been talk that Raiders Origin forward Corey Horsburgh wants to move back to Queensland. Fellow Origin player J’maine Hopgood is another Queenslander who has been in Sydney for a long time now and may be tempted to a move closer to home

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 his young halfback Zane Harrison before November 1 which is understandable given his potential. A three-year contract extension has been offered to keep him at the club until the end of 2030. Harrison put his name up in lights after booting a matchwinning field goal against Penrith last month and has looked very measured for a young halfback. Young halves like him are like gold, so the Titans need to retain him. Jojo Fifita showed what a player he was during this year’s State of Origin series and reports suggest he and the club want to sort out a new deal. Oliver Pascoe continues to improve after initially coming to the Titans on a 12-week train-and-trial contract in 2025.

Potential targets: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui needs a bit more support in the middle. They don’t need flashy, wide-running backrowers. They need a few rocks in the middle to tighten up their defence which is pedestrian at times. J’maine Hopgood would be the perfect type of player to stand in the middle of the park and hold them together. Broncos prop Xavier Willison has been improving constantly and he showed against Penrith how important a prop is in a tight, low-scoring game. If the Dolphins can’t resign Selwyn Cobbo, he’d be a great edition to the outside backs as would Raider Xavier Savage.

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: All three Trbojevic brothers will be on the open market. Jake will likely retire after 2027, but what will happen with the best of the trio, Tom? He suffered yet another hamstring injury on the weekend and has young guns Lehi Hopoate and Tolutau Koula who can play fullback. Tom’s a club legend and will be 31 when the 2028 season starts and Manly will be wary that other clubs may come for Hopoate if Turbo is resigned. Younger brother Ben is just 24 and an established player in the starting side and will no doubt want to extend his deal. Luke Brooks is recovering from an ACL injury and with the emergence of Joey Walsh, he might be looking for a new home.

Potential targets: They need a prop. Why not make a play at the Couchman brothers at the Dragons? They’ve got all their best footy in front of them. It may be hard to lure them away from their junior club, but it’s worth a try. They’re just lacking a game-breaking forward outside of Haumole Olakau’atu. David Fifita could be an option or even Jeremiah Nanai. They need their next Ben Kennedy. A hooker would be handy too. Tom Starling seems to be behind Owen Pattie at Canberra now so he might be looking for a starting spot elsewhere.

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: A bunch of stars can talk with rivals clubs from November 1 including Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu. They’re desperate for big bodies in the middle so Utoikamanu should be prioritised as he’s played pretty well for them since coming over from the Tigers. The future of Eliesa Katoa will be a big talking point in the off-season. He was ruled out for the entire 2026 season after suffering a life-threatening brain bleed while playing for Tonga last year. He’s been an irreplaceable loss for the Storm this season. If he’s cleared to make a comeback they need him. Coates is another important one because the Storm are desperate for big flyers out wide and lose Will Warbrick to the Warriors in 2027.

Potential targets: They don’t tend to spend big on players from other clubs, but rather get undervalued footballers and turn them into better players. In saying that, they need a prop badly. Since Nelson Asofa-Solomona left the club they’ve struggled to intimidate opposition forward packs. Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford would complement the team well and give their champion spine chances to put points on the board. Sharks backrower Teig Wilton would be a good option to beef-up the pack. A centre would be handy to pick up too. Paul Alamoti would love running off Munster and Hughes.

Bellamy praises Storm effort in defeat | 08:54

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: The future of five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita is interesting one given he only wanted to sign a one-year deal for the 2027 season knowing the PNG Chiefs would be an option. In 2023, he took a time off to travel the world, so he thinks a little differently, but is no doubt a key cog in the wheel at the Warriors. They need to keep Wayde Egan, who will attract the interest of rivals clubs thanks to his work out of dummy half. Jackson Ford should also be a priority given they’re losing Origin forward Mitch Barnett at the end of the season. Do they prioritise the young Jett Cleary over the in-form back-up halfback Te Marie Martin? Kayliss Fatialofa has already been sought after from other clubs but has so far stuck with the Warriors. He has a clause in his contract that states he can become a free agent if he doesn’t make his NRL debut by Round 15. The 21-year-old hasn’t so will be able to be approached by rivals.

Potential targets: If they lose Adam Pompey and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad they’ll want to find another centre. Sebastian Kris might be a good value buy. Would the look at young Bronco Josiah Karapani? With their spine fairly settled, they might go for another forward to improve their depth, especially if Fatialofa leaves. Could they clear the decks for Jacob Preston even though Kurt Capewell has recently extended his deal? Kiwi Briton Nikora might even be convinced to return home.

COWBOYS

Players off contract end of 2027: Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt, Soni Luke, Jeremiah Nanai, Jason Taumalolo, Viliami Vailea

Analysis: The Cowboys are in a good place when it comes to their roster make up. Players at key positions are locked down long-term with emerging talent coming through. Jeremiah Nanai should be the Cowboys’ first priority on the retention front. A shoulder injury has robbed the athletic edge forward of a heap of playing time this season, but he hit the ground running when returned in Round 16, showing his class in two games to earn selection for the Maroons in Game III. He’s a point of difference for what is a potent Cowboys attack. Jason Taumalolo will be 32 by the end of next season so may decide to hang up the boots. Zac Laybutt has been in and out of the Cowboys side this season. He obviously has the ability to be a consistent starter but he may be squeezed out of Townsville given the talent in the club’s outside backs stocks. Soni Luke has made a decent impact off the bench in his first season at the Cowboys. There won’t be a rush to sign him from November 1 so we’ll likely see his next contract sorted out at some stage next season.

Potential targets: Given their location, it’s harder for the Cowboys to attract free agency talent over other clubs down south. This is a team with plenty of talent in the backline, which will be bolstered further by the arrival of Sione Katoa and Jesse Ramien next year. With Coen Hess and Taumalolo unsigned beyond next season, could the Cowboys make a play at Tom Flegler? The Dolphins prop was born and raised in Tully, two hours north of Townsville, so it’d be a homecoming of sorts for Flegler.

Dearden starts fast in injury return | 00:21

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: Outside of South Sydney, no team in the NRL have as many players set to become free agents on November 1 than the Eels, so the club have a bit of work to do in the coming months. With that said, there are no superstars on this list that are ‘must re-signs’. Ryley Smith is a promising hooker who is highly regarded and is set to be the club’s first priority. He can form a dangerous 1-2 dummy-half combo with Tallyn da Silva over the next few seasons. Josh Addo-Carr still has a bit to give but it’s unlikely he signs anything more than a one or two year deal. Matt Doorey was having a strong season this year until injury strikes. Joash Papalii will benefit by the arrival of Jarome Luai. The versatile young gun will be able to learn off Luai and could step into the vacant five-eighth role in 2028 as his path to fullback is blocked by Isaiah Iongi. Jordan Samrani has shown glimpses he can be a gamebreaking outside back. Workhorse J’maine Hopgood does a lot of clean up work in the middle of the field and the Eels won’t want him leaving the club. Jack Williams has been one of the club’s forwards this season and it’s hard to see the Eels letting him hit the open market.

Potential targets: The Eels will have Jarome Luai to partner Mitch Moses in 2027 but beyond next season, it’s unclear what their halves will look like. Perhaps the Eels roll with Papalii and Moses, but the club will be looking to see what is out there and aim to target a genuine five-eighth. Matt Burton has been tossed up as a potential option. His game will compliment Moses’ perfectly. Burton comes off contract with the Bulldogs at the end of next season but is long odds to stay there given the abundance of playmaking talent in the ranks.

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: In terms of quantity, it isn’t the longest list of names in this article, but it sure is the biggest if we’re judging on quality. If Nathan Cleary hits the open market, he’ll be the most prized free agent in NRL history. Isaah Yeo wouldn’t be far behind. You’d have to think that Penrith are favourites to retain the duo although the threat of the incoming PNG Chiefs should worry Panthers fans. Much has been made about how much Jarome Luai is set to make at the Chiefs. Cleary would likely make a fair bit more if we’re combining a tax-free salary with the expected third party deals he’ll command. “PNG will throw so much money at him. He’ll be on more than God,” Code Sports journalist Brent Read said on NRL360 last week. The other variable to consider is that Ivan Cleary will step down as Penrith’s head coach at the end of next season. Despite these factors, the Panthers are reportedly quietly confident that they’ll be able to keep Cleary and Yeo. Liam Martin is another priority signing for the club. The two big-name players that are most likely to move on are Brian To’o and Moses Leota. To’o could be a target for the Chiefs and will be able to fetch much more money there than he could if he stays put while up to seven clubs have already shown an interest in Leota. If To’o leaves, Paul Alamoti is a must keep for Penrith although there will be a stack of interest in the 22-year-old and hence, the Panthers will have a fight on their hands. Blaize Talagi is young and coming along nicely. He should be apart of this team’s plans but again, it could all depend on what happens with Cleary, Yeo and Martin.

Potential targets: It’ll all depend on who they’re able to retain. If To’o and Leota leave as what’s being tipped, outside back and prop will be the main focus. Could Penrith be interested in a reunion with Spencer Leniu? It’s probably fair to say that Leniu’s time at the Chooks hasn’t gone as well as he would’ve liked. The Panthers have several promising outside backs but if they’re looking for a decent player that can slot straight into the starting line up and won’t command as much coin as To’o, Dolphins’ Tevita Naufahu could appeal.

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 Bunnies have 18 players without a deal beyond 2027 – the most in the NRL. The headline in the above list is obviously Latrell Mitchell. Mitchell isn’t getting any younger and injuries have plagued his career at South Sydney but he showed when on the park this season that he’s still one of the most dangerous players in the comp. It’s hard to see Mitchell signing anywhere but you’d think the 29-year-old isn’t in any rush to put pen to paper to a deal as well, which will lead to plenty of interest come November 1. One pundit believes Mitchell could command as much as $1.4 million a season. Tallis Duncan has arguably been the most improved player for Souths this season, showing off his versatility with impressive performances at both second row and centre. The club would be silly to let him leave. David Fifita has been sound in the first year of a prove-it deal. Campbell Graham hasn’t played a whole lot of footy in recent seasons but he’s been able to play 12 games this season and proven his worth. He’s considered a fringe rep player and a real asset to this Rabbitohs side whether he plays on the wing or in the centres. With Jack Wighton on his last legs, the Bunnies will strive to re-sign Graham. Latrell Siegwalt has burst onto the scene this season, emerging since Mitchell got injured and he’ll be another player the club will be aiming to keep.

Potential targets: The Rabbitohs will need to look at bolstering their halves. Cody Walker is expected to go around for another season in 2027 but retirement beckons following that. Ashton Ward has been solid at haflback and could keep kicking on while Jonah Glover is waiting in the wings, but at this stage, whether they emerge as a viable halves pairing is uncertain.

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 emergence of the Couchman twins has been a rare highlight in what has been a dark year for the club. The Dragons will be short odds to retain the brothers who are local juniors. Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes are a pair of veteran backs who have had mixed seasons this year. Both are all but certain to hit November 1 without a new deal with the club set to see what the pair will offer next year before making a call. Loko Pasifiki Tonga looks to have a bright NRL future. Under new coach Dean Young, he has really come on and is keen to remain at the club although there will be other clubs who have a crack if he hits the open market. Moses Suli has reportedly been told he’s free to explore his options. Lhykan King-Togia has a stack of ability but he hasn’t been able to do a whole heap in first grade. He’s only 21 and should be given time, but it’s likely he gets to November 1 without an extension so could be susceptable to a contract offer from another team.

Potential targets: A high quality dummy-half is what the club needs. Jacob Liddle will be called upon to start next season with Damien Cook heading to the Super League. Liddle has x-factor, but the jury’s out whether he can do the job consistently as a starting hooker. A couple of names the Dragons could target are Wayde Egan and Blake Mozer. The Warriors won’t let Egan go without a fight, but the 29-year-old could be interested in a return to Sydney. Mozer is highly regarded at the Broncos but he hasn’t been given much of an opportunity in the top grade, although injuries have played their part. Both are quality nines who will complete what would a strong spine that will consist of Luke Metcalf and Scott Drinkwater from next season.

"Deserve better!" Cook SLAMS officiating | 04:16

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: A few standout players on this list which won’t all be able to retained, so the Roosters have some tough decisions to make. Seldom do the Roosters lose a player they want to desperately keep so don’t expect Sam Walker to depart the club at the end of next season. Walker’s value has skyrocketed this season given his form in the State of Origin arena. He’s now considered one of the game’s elite halves and will command money to match that tag. Recent reports suggest he will be after a deal worth $1.2 million a season and potentially more if he’s able to help the club to a deep finals run. His agent has suggested that Walker has no issue testing his value on the open market, but it’s unlikely the Roosters let it get to that stage. James Tedesco isn’t really showing any signs of slowing down although the Roosters won’t rush into a decision with their captain. Victor Radley is a club stalwart who tasted Origin for the first time this season. Despite some off-field turbulence, expect the Roosters re-up the enforcer. Spencer Leniu’s future at the club appears a little less certain. He’s been linked to other clubs, notably Parramatta. Due to the emergence of Naufahu Whyte in recent seasons, Leniu hasn’t had the impact at the club that he probably would’ve liked since joining from Penrith. Taylor Losalu and Salesi Foketi are two young forwards the club would like to keep but they may be priced out by other clubs with more cap space. Likewise Cody Ramsey as is path to fullback is blocked by Tedesco and Tedesco’s likely successor Rex Bassingthwaighte.

Potential targets: The Roosters face an interesting period come November 1, when it comes to targeting players. With the likes of James Tedesco, Sam Walker and Spencer Leniu off-contract, they could either have a ton of money to spend if any of these players leave, or have barely any money left in their salary cap if they try to extend the majority of their off-contract stars. If they are able to keep a ton of money in their cap, don’t be surprised if they look to target some of the game’s best players such as Jacob Preston (a former junior of the Roosters system), Xavier Coates and David Fifita, as they look to remain in title contention. However, they could also decide to try and lure some rugby union stars out of the 15-man code with the Rugby World Cup done and dusted before the start of 2028. This could see them try to lure back Joseph Manu or Joseph Suaalii, while Max Jorgensen has constantly been linked with the side. If they don’t have a ton of money left in their cap, they will need to take a different approach and look to either sign bargain buys or promote within their pathways system. Ethan Roberts, Nick Tsougranis, Francis Manuleleua and Tevita Naifahu are options that it will come at a much cheaper price that the elite players of the NRL.

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 departure of Jarome Luai has allowed the Tigers to offer Latu and Samuela Fainu long-term extensions. According to multiple reports, this is the priority on the club’s to-do list at the moment, having already re-signed Jahream Bula, Taylan May, Sunia Turuva and Terrell May. The retention of the brothers is paramount, with Samuela seen as a future captain of the club, while Latu has been earmarked to replace Luai in the No. 6 jersey. It is understood that their new extensions are set to earn them a nice salary upgrade, too. Following this, they will decide on the status of Fonua Pole. One of the club’s best last season, he has struggled to find the same consistency during this year’s campaign. Moved to the interchange bench on multiple occasions, he is set to command interest from other clubs and his price tag may be too much for the Tigers to pay. Royce Hunt has been linked with a move to the Super League and is unlikely to be retained and he could be joined in the overseas competition by Jock Madden. While Madden is the perfect back-up playmaker for the Tigers, he could easily move abroad, having previously found himself on the radar of multiple Super League teams. The same can be said for the remaining off-contract trio. The re-signing of Ethan Roberts isn’t seen as a priority, but he has shown glimpses of his potential. And depending on what they are willing to sign for, Junior Tupou and Patrick Herbert may be moved on.

Click here to read article