The NRL's off-season is heating up as teams prepare for the November 1 feeding frenzy, with several stars set to hit the open market. The tax-free contracts the PNG Chiefs can offer is looming as a major threat to these teams, potentially leading to more players hitting free agency. The NRL's $5.3 billion broadcast deal will also be a significant factor pending free agents' decisions. Here's a breakdown of each team's list of players that can negotiate with rivals from November 1, along with potential targets and commentary on their situations.
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 will be priorities to ensure depth in the outside backs. The club may target a top prop to bolster their forwards, and a crafty hooker to support Reece Walsh.
Potential targets: Four-time premiership winner Moses Leota has been linked with a move, and Paul Alamoti could form a great centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs. The Broncos might also target a dummy half.
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 is the club's first retention target, having indicated he'd like to remain in Canberra. Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses, but the club may look elsewhere if he regresses. Corey Horsburgh is prone to errors but adds value, and Xavier Savage is a game-breaker on his day.
Potential targets: The Raiders do boast strong forward packs, but Josh Papalii is leaving, and Horsburgh may head elsewhere. Morgan Smithies is without a deal, so the club may look to sign experienced middle forwards.
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 Jacob Preston sort out a deal? Negotiations broke down over his asking price, and he may now test himself on the open market. The club has indicated Matt Burton will take a pay cut, and Preston's running mate Viliame Kikau is locked down until 2028.
Potential targets: The Bulldogs need a ball-playing lock, and a replacement for Preston. They might also target a centre and a prop.
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 at the end of the season. Will Kennedy has signed consecutive one-year deals, and Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton are gun back rowers. The club should have the money to keep both.
Potential targets: Kennedy is a solid performer, but the Sharks may look for an upgrade. Cody Ramsey could appeal, offering a younger option with an exciting future.
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 the Dolphins keep their star backline foursome? PNG will surely come hunting with offers, and Bostock's price will shoot through the roof after his Origin debut. Farnworth wants to stay, but there are rumours the Roosters are circling.
Potential targets: The Dolphins are well-rounded, but need to stiffen up defensively. Luron Patea is a promising option, and fellow Origin player J'maine Hopgood may be tempted to 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 Zane Harrison, who has looked very measured for a young halfback. The Titans need to retain him, and Jojo Fifita wants a new deal.
Potential targets: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui needs more support in the middle, and the Titans may target a prop and a centre.
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, but what will happen with Tom? The club will be wary of other clubs coming for Lehi Hopoate if Turbo is resigned.
Potential targets: The Sea Eagles need a prop, and could make a play for the Couchman brothers at the Dragons. They need a game-breaking forward outside of Haumole Olakau'atu.
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 rival clubs from November 1, including Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates. The Storm are desperate for big bodies in the middle, so Utoikamanu should be prioritised.
Potential targets: The Storm need a prop, and could target Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford to complement their champion spine.
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 interesting, as he only wanted a one-year deal for 2027. Wayde Egan will attract interest, and Jackson Ford should be a priority. Do they prioritise Jett Cleary over Te Maire Martin?
Potential targets: If they lose Adam Pompey and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, they might target a centre and a forward.
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, with players at key positions locked down long-term. Jeremiah Nanai should be their first priority on the retention front, and Jason Taumalolo may decide to hang up the boots.
Potential targets: The Cowboys might make a play for Tom Flegler, who was born and raised in Tully, two hours north of Townsville.
