The NRL's November 1 feeding frenzy is fast approaching, and with it, a host of stars are set to hit the open market. Teams are scrambling to retain their key players, with tax-free contracts from the PNG Chiefs looming as a major threat. The salary cap is set to increase, adding further complexity to the situation. 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 off 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 feeling the pressure to retain their core players. Ben Hunt and Dane Gagai will be in their final seasons, while young gun wingers Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner are priorities to ensure depth in the outside backs. Potential targets include top props, a centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs, and a dummy half 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 gone from strength to strength. Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses, but the Raiders may look elsewhere if he regresses. Matty Nicholson's body has let him down, while Corey Horsburgh is prone to dumb errors. Xavier Savage is a game-breaker but hasn't shown it enough. Potential targets include a top forward pack and a halfback.
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: The Bulldogs need to sort out a deal with Jacob Preston, who has been offered around $800,000 a season. Matt Burton will likely take a pay cut, while the club needs a ball-playing lock and a replacement for Preston. Potential targets include Tallis Duncan, David Fifita, and Samuela Fainu.
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 a stable roster, but several players are leaving. Kennedy has signed consecutive one-year deals, but the Sharks are constantly on the search for an upgrade. Potential targets include Kennedy and Cody Ramsey.
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 keep their star backline foursome, with Bostock, Cobbo, and Farnworth's prices set to soar. Potential targets include Max Plath, Luron Patea, and J'maine Hopgood.
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, while Jojo Fifita and Oliver Pascoe are key retention targets. Potential targets include Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, J'maine Hopgood, and 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: All three Trbojevic brothers will be on the open market, with Jake likely to retire. The Sea Eagles need a prop and potential targets include the Couchman brothers, David Fifita, and 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: The Storm need big bodies in the middle, with Utoikamanu a priority. Eliesa Katoa's future is uncertain, while Coates is important for big flyers. Potential targets include props, centres, and a centre.
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 Chanel Harris-Tavita is uncertain, while Wayde Egan will attract interest. Jackson Ford should be a priority, and the Warriors need to decide between Jett Cleary and Te Maire Martin. Potential targets include centres and forwards.
Cowboys
- Players off contract end of 2027: Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt, Soni Luke, Jeremiah Nanai, Jason Taumalolo, Viliami Vailea.
- Analysis: The Cowboys have a good roster, with key players locked down long-term. Jeremiah Nanai is a priority, while Jason Taumalolo may retire. Potential targets include Tom Flegler and other free agency talent.
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 work to do, with no superstars on the list. Ryley Smith is a promising hooker, while Josh Addo-Carr may take a one-year deal. Potential targets include Matt Burton and a genuine five-eighth.
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, with the Panthers favourites to retain him. Liam Martin is a priority, while Brian To'o and Moses Leota may move on. Potential targets include outside back and prop.
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 a deal, with Latrell Mitchell a key focus. Tallis Duncan and David Fifita are improved players, while Campbell Graham is a fringe rep player. Potential targets include bolstering the halves.
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 potential targets include Wayde Egan and 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 face an interesting period, with potential targets including Jacob Preston, Xavier Coates, and David Fifita. If they can keep a ton of money in their cap, they may target elite players.
