The NRL's November 1 feeding frenzy is upon us, with several stars 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 another layer of complexity to the free agency period. Here's a breakdown of the key players and potential targets for each team, with a focus on commentary and analysis.
Broncos
- Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam, Kotoni Staggs: Locked up beyond 2027, ensuring stability.
- Ben Hunt, Dane Gagai: Final seasons in the NRL, with Gagai's replacement a key target.
- Josiah Karapani, Deine Mariner: Young wingers, with Karapani on thin ice after off-field incidents.
- Brendan Piakura: Long-term player, but injury history may limit extension.
- Mitch Barnett: Signed to replace Payne Haas, but another top prop could be targeted.
- Jonah Pezet: Question marks over his long-term halfback role.
Comment: The Broncos have a strong core, but Hunt and Gagai's departures are imminent. Karapani's off-field issues are a concern, and Piakura's injury history may limit his extension. Barnett's signing is a solid move, but another prop could be targeted.
Raiders
- Hudson Young: Star backrower, likely to sign an extension.
- Ethan Sanders: Showing glimpses, but the Raiders may look elsewhere if he regresses.
- Matty Nicholson: Body issues, but a key player when fit.
- Corey Horsburgh: Prone to errors, but a passionate player.
- Xavier Savage: Game-breaker, but inconsistent in 2026.
Comment: The Raiders have a strong forward pack, but Young is a priority. Sanders' potential is promising, but the Raiders may look elsewhere if he falters. Horsburgh's body issues are a concern, and Savage's inconsistency is a risk.
Bulldogs
- Jacob Preston: Negotiations broke down over his asking price, likely to test the market.
- Matt Burton: Pay cut expected, with Parramatta rumored as a potential destination.
- Jethro Rinakama: 10-year Bulldog, but negotiations ongoing.
Comment: Preston's departure is likely, with the Bulldogs focusing on a ball-playing lock and a replacement for Preston.
Sharks
- Will Kennedy: Steady performer, but one-year deals indicate a search for an upgrade.
- Briton Nikora, Teig Wilton: Gun back rowers, with the Sharks having the money to retain them.
Comment: Kennedy's one-year deals suggest a search for an upgrade. Nikora and Wilton are key players, with the Sharks having the funds to keep them.
Dolphins
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth: Star backline foursome, with PNG Chiefs offering lucrative deals.
- Kodi Nikorima: Super League halfback, with George Williams' return a factor.
Comment: The Dolphins' backline is strong, but Cobbo and Bostock's form is a concern. Farnworth's future is uncertain, with Roosters interest rumored.
Titans
- Zane Harrison: Young halfback, with a three-year contract extension offered.
- Jojo Fifita: State of Origin player, with a new deal likely.
- Oliver Pascoe: Improving player, initially on a 12-week trial.
Comment: Harrison's extension is a smart move, with Fifita a key player. Pascoe's improvement is notable, with the Titans focusing on defense.
Sea Eagles
- Tom Trbojevic: Club legend, with a potential retirement after 2027.
- Jake Trbojevic: Younger brother, an established player.
- Luke Brooks: Recovering from ACL injury, with Joey Walsh's emergence a factor.
Comment: The Trbojevic brothers are key, with Tom's future uncertain. The Sea Eagles need a prop, with the potential for a reunion with the Couchman brothers.
Storm
- Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu: Stars with rivals, with Utoikamanu a priority.
- Eliesa Katoa: Life-threatening brain bleed, a major talking point.
Comment: The Storm's need for big bodies in the middle is a key focus. Utoikamanu's performance is a priority, with Katoa's future uncertain.
Warriors
- Chanel Harris-Tavita: One-year deal, with the PNG Chiefs an option.
- Wayde Egan: Key cog, attracting rival interest.
- Jackson Ford: Priority, with Origin forward Mitch Barnett leaving.
Comment: The Warriors' spine is settled, but Egan's work out of dummy half is a key focus. Ford's retention is a priority, with the team losing Barnett.
Cowboys
- Jeremiah Nanai: First priority, with a shoulder injury affecting playing time.
- Zac Laybutt: In and out of the side, with talent in the outside backs.
- Soni Luke: Decent impact off the bench, with a likely next contract sorted out next season.
Comment: The Cowboys have a strong roster, with Nanai a key focus. Laybutt's consistency is a concern, with the team's backline bolstered by Sione Katoa and Jesse Ramien.
Eels
- Ryley Smith: Promising hooker, a priority for the club.
- Josh Addo-Carr: One or two-year deal, with a bit to give.
- Joash Papalii: Versatile young gun, learning from Jarome Luai.
Comment: The Eels have a strong core, with Smith a key focus. Addo-Carr's future is uncertain, with Papalii's development a positive.
Panthers
- Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo: Most prized free agents, with the PNG Chiefs a threat.
- Liam Martin: Priority signing, with Brian To'o and Moses Leota as key departures.
Comment: The Panthers have a strong core, but Cleary and Yeo's futures are uncertain. Martin's retention is a priority, with To'o and Leota's departures a potential.
Rabbitohs
- Latrell Mitchell: One of the most dangerous players, with a potential $1.4 million salary.
- Tallis Duncan: Most improved player, showing versatility.
- David Fifita: Sound in the first year of a prove-it deal.
Comment: The Rabbitohs have a strong core, with Mitchell a key focus. Duncan's improvement is notable, with the team focusing on bolstering the halves.
Dragons
- Clint Gutherson, Val Holmes: Veteran backs with mixed seasons.
- Loko Pasifiki Tonga: Bright future, keen to remain at the club.
- Moses Suli: Told he's free to explore options.
Comment: The Dragons have a mix of veterans and young talent, with the focus on a high-quality dummy-half and a potential reunion with Wayde Egan or Blake Mozer.
Roosters
- Sam Walker: Value has skyrocketed, with a potential $1.2 million deal.
- James Tedesco: Captain, with no signs of slowing down.
- Victor Radley: Club stalwart, with off-field turbulence.
Comment: The Roosters have a strong core, with Walker's value a key focus. Tedesco's form is impressive, with Radley's retention a priority.
Tigers
- Latu Fainu, Samuela Fainu: Long-term extensions, with Samuela seen as a future captain.
- Fonua Pole: Struggled for consistency, with interest from other clubs.
- Royce Hunt: Linked with Super League, unlikely to be retained.
Comment: The Tigers have a strong spine, with the focus on Latu and Samuela's extensions. Pole's inconsistency is a concern, with Hunt's departure a potential.
