Get set for silly season. Rugby league madness is about to begin as nearly $20 million worth of talent hits the market on November 1, when a slew of big names and emerging stars enter the final year of their deals and become free to start contract negotiations with rival clubs.
This masthead has taken a look at 30 of the most coveted footballers in the game as they prepare to field bids from rival clubs for the 2026 season.
Alongside some of the high-profile names in the game are emerging stars like South Sydney flyer Tyrone Munro, Brisbane hooker Blake Mozer and Gold Coast back Jojo Fifita who will attract no shortage of suitors as they explore their options across the NRL.
Leo Thompson
Age: 24
2025 salary: $320,000
Current club: The Knights have tabled a second upgrade and extension to Thompson in the hope of keeping him off the market but he informed the club he wanted to explore his options. The Knights will persist right up until midnight on October 31 but they look to have a fight on their hands.
What the market says: Thompson, currently in camp with the New Zealand squad, has been one of the game's bargain basement players for the past few years but that is about to change. His next deal should be a bumper one given the number of clubs that are in the mix for his services.
Which clubs need him: It might be easier to list who isn't in for Thompson. He has a host of clubs banging at his door but expected the most prominent to be the likes of Canberra, the Wests Tigers, the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra and South Sydney. The Dolphins are also in the market for a middle.
Worth: $750,000
Dylan Brown
Age: 24
2025 salary: $900,000
Current club: The Eels showed what they thought of Brown when they signed him to a long-term deal until the end of 2031, albeit with a clause that gives him until round 10 next season to extend his deal beyond next season.
What the market says: Brown is one of the elite halves in the competition and it would take something significant to prise him away from Parramatta. Don’t rule it out though. He will have clubs beating a path to his door.
Which clubs need him: Take your pick. Quality halves don’t exactly grow on trees but Brown is from the top shelf. Newcastle would love a half like Brown while the Warriors have had a lash at him in the past. The Bulldogs and Dolphins may also take a look.
Worth: $1.2 million
Ryan Papenhuyzen
Age: 26
2025 salary: $900,000
Current club: The Storm have tabled an extension to Papenhuyzen and want to tie him down to a long-term deal. They hoped to get it down before November 1 but the clock is ticking.
What the market says: Papenhuyzen is one of the best fullbacks in the competition and will have plenty of interest. It may take seven figures to convince him to leave the Storm but he is highly respected in clubland.
Which clubs need him: The Bulldogs would benefit from a top-class fullback. Parramatta have signed Iongi from Penrith but Jason Ryles knows Papenhuyzen from his time at the Storm. The Sharks could take an interest if they can’t do a deal with Will Kennedy, the Dragons likewise depending on Clint Gutherson.
Worth: $1 million.
Braydon Trindall
Age: 25
2025 salary: $400,000
Current club: The Sharks have kicked off talks with Trindall to extend his contract by at least another three-years. Has come through the Sharks system but almost blew his shot following a DUI incident last May. Given a second chance, he lifted his game at the back end of the 2024 season and has the chance to form a formidable halves combination with Nicho Hynes.
What the market says: There's a genuine sense of optimism that Trindall is only going to get better as a half following 71 NRL appearances. His off-field behaviour and game management still needs developing, however his kicking game and competitiveness are major plusses.
Which clubs need him: Newcastle are desperate to lockdown a halfback, having churned through No.7s in recent seasons. The Dragons will also keep close tabs on Trindall, but are wary of paying big money for him given his recent off-field incident. The Broncos are interesting in that they are yet to declare their vision beyond Adam Reynolds.
Worth: $700,000
Selwyn Cobbo
Age: 22
2025 salary: $650,000
Current club: The Broncos have some big decisions to make in the outside backs as they weigh up the retention of Cobbo and fellow centre Kotoni Staggs. Staggs appears the more immediate priority and Cobbo may have to take less to stay.
What the market says: Cobbo is a high class player who is only 22 and has loads of upside. However, some red flags have been raised off the field and while that could impact his ability to land a rich new deal, it only takes one club to come to the party.
Which clubs need him: The Sydney Roosters have been incessantly linked with Cobbo and they have some holes to fill in the outside backs. Newcastle as well as the Dolphins and Gold Coast may take a look.
Worth: $550,000
Brandon Smith
Age: 28
2025 salary: $900,000
Current club: The Roosters are in no rush to make Smith an offer. They had to fend off a host of rivals to land his signature but injury has plagued his time in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the latest blow requiring a knee reconstruction.
What the market says: Smith is a quality player but he hasn’t quite got the tools to get to the next level as a hooker in the mould of former teammate Harry Grant or Api Koroisau. He is more of a running, power player.
Which clubs need him: Newcastle may hold an interest depending on what happens to Jayden Brailey. Gold Coast, who had a lash at Smith a few years back could also be in the market for a hooker depending on Sam Verrills future. Jason Ryles knows Smith from Melbourne and may also take a peek.
Worth: $650,000
Clint Gutherson
Age: 30
2025 salary: $900,000
Current club: Have granted their skipper permission to talk with rival clubs for 2026. They have also indicated they aren’t in a position to offer him a new deal year and the Eels say a major positional change is on the cards under new coach Jason Ryles. May not be captain next year if he is at the club.
What the market says: Chasing three years which is being difficult to come-by. There is still a market for Gutherson but there is one club that desperately wants him and that’s the Dragons – but only if he comes next year. A decision is imminent.
Which clubs need him: The Dragons have clearly indicated they are keen. The sticking point for Gutherson is not his worth for 2025 if they can get him out of his current deal early but how much they are willing to pay for 2026 and if they will give him 2027. The Bulldogs have also flirted with the prospect of signing him.
Worth: $750,000
Ben Hunt
Age: 34
2025 salary: $950,000
Current club: The Dragons have said they won’t want to put anything to Hunt until next year. They aren’t ruling out extending him but don’t feel like they are in a position to do so without making him an insulting offer. Told him he could test the market early but that won’t happen given Hunt is in Kangaroos camp.
What the market says: Another tricky one because his value increases if he can get an immediate release. If he is stuck at the Dragons in 2025 then clubs would only be willing to give him a one-year deal at a much cheaper rate.
Which clubs need him: Similar to Cherry-Evans – it will be someone who thinks they can parachute a halfback into the competition to make them a premiership force. It won’t be a re-building club. The Dolphins have flirted with Hunt recently and may come again. Some at the Bulldogs want him. He is desperate to go to a Queensland outfit.
Worth: $700,000
Ronaldo Mulitalo
Age: 24
2025 salary: $450,000
Current club: The Sharks have opened talks to re-sign Mulitalo but the winger has indicated he wants to test his worth on the open market. He is the Sharks third-highest try scorer of all-time behind Andrew Ettingshausen and David Peachey.
What the market says: A powerful ball-carrier who averages 140 run-metres and, as his climb among the Sharks greats suggests, he is a consistent tryscorer. Every club in the game would benefit from his work out of the backfield.
Which clubs need him: The Eels are on the lookout for a winger with speed and power. The Roosters have a bank of young outside backs pressing for NRL but could use Mulitalo's experience. The other club that could come circling are the Dragons should they prove successful in releasing Mika Ravalawa.
Worth: $600,000
Briton Nikora
Age: 26
2025 salary: $600,000
Current club: One of the highest-paid back rowers in the NRL, Nikora is in the prime of his career. Cronulla are intent on keeping the quality hole-running Kiwi and are deep in talks to extend his contract by a further three seasons.
What the market says: A quality edge-forward, who runs a great line and has benefited on loop from a Nicho Hynes short-ball in recent seasons. He also bangs in defence and is as sharp as a quality centre on his feet.
Which clubs need him: The Dragons would be an obvious buying club, but for the fact they have backrowers Jayd'n Sua and Luciano Leilua on extended contracts. The Dolphins have both their backrowers Felise Kaufusi and Connelly Lemuelu off-contract at the end of 2025, while the Eels have Bryce Cartwright and Kelma Tuilagi unsigned beyond next season.
Worth: $600,000
Jonah Pezet
Age: 21
2025 salary: $270,000
Current club: The Storm want to keep Pezet and have put an offer to him for the next few years. The sense is that he wants to stay but there are some minor issues to resolve before a deal can be guaranteed.
What the market says: Pezet is one of the hottest properties in the game given he is only 21 and is regarded as an emerging star in the playmaking ranks. Will have plenty of interest.
Which clubs need him: The Knights are in the market for a playmaker and would love Pezet. The Bulldogs would no doubt take a look at him, as would the Roosters.
Worth: $375,000
Daly Cherry-Evans
Age: 35
2025 salary: $1million
Current club: Some conjecture if he will play on. Manly wants to wait before speaking with Cherry-Evans who turns 36 next year. They will sit down with their skipper once he returns from holidays to discuss what he thinks 2026 could look like. Still one of the game’s best playmakers.
What the market says: All quiet here because it is anticipated that if he does go around again it will be with Manly.
Which clubs need him: Look, if it does get to the point where he will want to play on and it’s not at Manly then clubs will circle. It will be those who think they are halfback away from winning a premiership – the likes of the Bulldogs, Dragons and potentially the Sharks spring to mind. Don’t see him leaving though.
Worth: $900,000
Josiah Pahulu
Age: 20
2025 salary: $220,000
Current club: The Titans and their coach Des Hasler showed how much they thought of Pahulu as he played 19 games for the club in 2024, the vast majority off the interchange bench. He is a priority retention but money is tight in the Gold Coast forward pack.
What the market says: Pahulu plays a position that is in high demand at the moment and will come at a cheaper rate than some of the other November 1 front rowers. Young props of his quality are hard to come by.
Which clubs need him: The Dolphins are in the market for a prop to pair with Daniel Saifiti. The Bulldogs will also take a look while the Warriors may look to bring back one of their own - he hails from Auckland.
Worth: $320,000
Xavier Savage
Age: 22
2025 salary: $450,000
Current club: The Raiders have tabled a new deal to Savage after he played in 24 games for the club this season and finished with 15 tries. Has found a home on the wing after initially exploring fullback.
What the market says: Savage has one of those commodities that every club wants - pure speed. He is electric and that makes him a serious option for just about everyone.
Which clubs need him: The sense is that he will stay in Canberra but Parramatta are desperate to add some pace to their side. Souths, Newcastle and Dragons would also take a look.
Worth: $450,000
Sean O’Sullivan
Age: 26
2025 salary: $400,000
Current club: O’Sullivan was limited to 10 games for the Dolphins after losing his spot. He managed to win it back later in the year, having also made his mark from the interchange bench.
What the market says: O’Sullivan is now at his fifth club and he has proved a valuable player wherever he has gone. Will likely have to go somewhere and win the No.7 jersey in a preseason shootout.
Which clubs need him: Every club in the game needs a reliable No.7 who can either start or provide quality back up. O’Sullivan fits the bill but he will land where he has the best chance of starting.
Worth: $400,000
Davvy Moale
Age: 21
2025 salary: $500,000
Current club: The Rabbitohs have indicated that new coach Wayne Bennett wants to get his hands on players before they make any major recruitment decisions. They want to keep the South Sydney junior but are in no rush to get things done.
What the market says: We know what young props are commanding and Moale has played 54 games already including 23 this year. May have to wait to see what happens with the likes of Fonua Pole and Leo Thompson but the same clubs will be in the mix.
Which clubs need him: If either the Tigers or Knights lose their main prop off-contract prop then they will circle in on Moale. Throw in the other clubs looking for a middle including the Dragons, Parramatta and Canterbury.
Worth: $575,000
Adam Doueihi
Age: 26
2025 salary: $300,000
Current club: The Wests Tigers are in no rush to offer Doueihi another extension having given him a 12 month deal already. Want to see how he fits into the club’s plans given there is no place for him in his preferred position in the halves.
What the market says: His versatility and experience is a major plus. The fact he was able to return to the field last year was a huge bonus. May need to play a bit more footy before clubs start knocking on his door again.
Which clubs need him: The Dragons have had preliminary discussions about attracting Doueihi but need to see what happens with a few other players first. He wants to play in the halves so he needs to find an opening there somewhere. A few other dominos will fall before a club moves on him.
Worth: $475,000
Fonua Pole
Age: 22
2025 salary: $300,000
Current club: The Tigers have met with Pole in recent days and have offered the rising star an upgraded an extended deal for at least the next two seasons. They see him as a vital member of the forward pack.
What the market says: Will be among the most in-demand players in the competition. Clubs see him about to hit his sweet spot after going past the 50-game mark this year.
Which clubs need him: Think back to earlier this year when the likes of St George Illawarra, Canberra and Canterbury were in for his former Tigers teammate Stefano Utoikamanu. It will be a similar market again. The dark horse is Utoikamanu’s new club – Melbourne. They have a high opinion of Pole and his younger brother is also part of their system.
Worth: $550,000
Jackson Hastings
Age: 28
2025 salary: $700,000
Current club: Newcastle are in no hurry to offer Hastings a contact extension after he finished last season in reserve grade. They are unlikely to come to the party unless he starts next year on fire.
What the market says: Hastings has plenty to prove despite a resume that includes stints in the NRL and Super League. At 28, he is entering his prime and given he plays in the halves, finding a new club shouldn’t be a problem.
Which clubs need him: Hastings had interest from South Sydney as part of a potential swap deal with Lachlan Ilias and Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has worked with him before at the Wests Tigers.
Worth: $500,000
Xavier Willison
Age: 22
2025 salary: $450,000
Current club: The Broncos want to keep Willison but he is on a healthy deal for a player who has only made 30 appearances in the top flight. He managed 19 of those games last season and showed plenty of potential.
What the market says: Willison will attract plenty of interest given he is only 22 and middle forwards are prized commodities in the current market. He is well paid but he can expect a rise if he decides to explore his options.
Which clubs need him: The Bulldogs are in the market for middle forwards and Newcastle may take a look depending on what happens with Leo Thompson. Souths and the Tigers could also do with some strengthening in the front row.
Worth: $500,000
Lachlan Ilias
Age: 24
2025 salary: $400,000
Current club: The Rabbitohs are expected to give Lewis Dodd first crack at the No.7 jersey but Ilias is a favourite among teammates and officials alike. He could play a role and should he hold his nerve and make a storming start to the year, the Rabbitohs could come to the party.
What the market says: Ilias made a solid start to his first grade career but he was dropped last year and then broke his leg. He has been out of sight and out of mind, but halves are in demand.
Which clubs need him: The Knights took a long, hard look at Ilias and there were discussions over a swap with Jackson Hastings, only for it to fall over. The Roosters and Bulldogs are potential options. Other avenues could open up as the halves jigsaw is pieced together.
Worth: $500,000
Kai Pearce-Paul
Age: 23
2025 salary: $750,000
Current club: The Knights have discussed what an initial offer would look like for Pearce-Paul to stay but he is expected to test the market to get a gauge of what he is worth. Will come back to the Knights before a final decision is made.
What the market says: Pearce-Paul is only one year into his NRL career but he made a solid impression, becoming a fixture in the side and playing 22 games. He will have no shortage of suitors.
Which clubs need him: The Wests Tigers are an obvious club that are in need of some strike on the edges while Brisbane, South Sydney and Parramatta may consider a move for Pearce-Paul.
Worth: $600,000 plus
Will Penisini
Age: 22
2025 salary: $525,000
Current club: A mainstay of the Eels backline since bursting into the NRL as a teenager in 2021. Although contracted through until the end of 2026, Penisini has an option in his contract that allows him to get out of that deal at the end of next season, effectively making him a free-agent from this November 1.
What the market says: Penisini has until round 10 next season to inform the Eels of his intention to take up the option in his contract for 2026. An ultra consistent centre who rarely misses games, he played schoolboy rugby union with Joseph Suaalii and could be a target for a switch to the 15-man game.
Which clubs need him: Any club looking for a young centre, with development still to come. The Knights, Dolphins, Roosters and Broncos are in the process of making recruitment decisions on what their centre options are in 2026. Penisini is likely to use the pre-season to determine if he fits into Jason Ryles’ style of play.
Worth: $550,000
Kotoni Staggs
Age: 25
2025 salary: $700,000
Current club: Brisbane want to keep Staggs but he won’t come cheap given he is regarded as one of the best centres in the game. The Broncos have a balancing act, although the future of Ezra Mam may impact on their spending power.
What the market says: Staggs is a top-notch centre but rival clubs expect him to stay at the Broncos. If he decides to go to market, he will be inundated with offers.
Which clubs need him: Staggs will be in hot demand should he decide to explore his options on the open market.
Worth: $700,000
Blake Mozer
Age: 20
2025 salary: $300,000
Current club: The Broncos have indicated they would like to keep Mozer, but coach Michael Maguire has only just arrived at Red Hill and been preoccupied with the Ezra Mam drama.
What the market says: Mozer has been earmarked as an NRL player for some time and made eight appearances last season. There were flashes of class but his journey is only just beginning.
Which clubs need him: The Roosters may be on the lookout for a hooker if Brandon Smith departs. The Dragons need a long-term replacement for Damien Cook while Canberra are in the market for a No.9.
Worth: $400,000
Cameron McInnes
Age: 30
2025 salary: $550,000
Current club: The hard-nosed Sharks captain is a valuable commodity in the area of experience for Cronulla, with the lock-forward making up for a vacuum of leadership that has departed the club over the past three years including Andrew Fiifta, Wade Graham and Dale Finucane.
What the market says: One of the smaller forwards in the NRL, McInnes plays above his weight with the punishment he endures unquestioned. There is a question to be asked though, whether his greatest strength could lead to his greatest weakness, with his fearless style and extreme work rate, in danger of impacting his longevity in the game?
Which clubs need him: A return to the Dragons, where McInnes played prior to the Sharks, would suit Shane Flanagan’s plan to recruit more experience and toughness into the Red V. Leaders are hard to find in this game and clubs that need a hard-nosed character, like the Knights, Wests Tigers and Roosters, would be crazy not to look at McInnes.
Worth: $450,000-$500,000
Reece Robson
Age: 26
2025 salary: $800,000
Current club: The Cowboys are keen to keep Robson and have made that clear to his camp. There are plans to catch up with Robson once he gets out of Kangaroos camp but he won’t come cheap given he is an elite hooker.
What the market says: Robson is the understudy to Kangaroos vice-captain Harry Grant, which shows how well regarded he is within the game. Tough and hard to handle out of dummy half, he will be hot property if the Cowboys can’t lock him down.
Which clubs need him: The Titans could do with some help at hooker while the Knights may explore their options at hooker if Jayden Brailey leaves. Parramatta could also target a No.9.
Worth: $800,000
Jojo Fifita
Age: 21
2025 salary: $450,000
Current club: Fifita came of age of the Titans this season, playing 19 games and scoring 10 tries for a struggling club. The Gold Coast want to keep him and talks have opened over a new deal.
What the market says: Fifita shapes as a popular target for rival clubs given his price point and promise. At only 21, his best years are ahead of him and although he spent the year on the wings, a move to the centres may be in the wind.
Which clubs need him:The Cowboys need some depth in the outside back, as do the Dragons. Parramatta and the Roosters may also take a look depending on how things shake out.
Worth: $500,000-plus
Toby Sexton
Age: 23
2025 salary: $350,000
Current club: Despite all the speculation around Ben Hunt, Bulldogs GM of football
Phil Gould has been dealing with the negotiations of only one halfback and that is Toby Sexton. The Bulldogs were highly impressed with Sexton’s character to work his way out of the NSW Cup at the beginning of last season, to emerge as a pivotal influence on the club’s return to the finals.
What the market says: Sexton was fighting for his career when he moved from the Gold Coast to the Bulldogs. He featured in 16 games in 2024 for Canterbury and put himself back on the radar of NRL rivals.
Which clubs need him: The Knights, who have failed to settle on a first-choice halfback. The Dragons post-Ben Hunt. The Sea Eagles, who will be looking for life after Daly Cherry-Evans. Sexton’s former club the Titans, who are looking for a replacement beyond
Kieran Foran in 2025.
Worth: $375,000
Tyrone Munro
Age: 19
2025 salary: $180,000
Current club: Souths have offered Munro a three-year extension and there are plans to sit down next week with the young flyer to discuss his future. As it stands, there is a gap between the parties and he is likely to head to November.
What the market says: Speed is a commodity that is in high demand in clubland and Munro has plenty of it. He scored six tries in seven first grade games and only injury has stopped him adding to that tally.
Which clubs need him: Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has been open about adding speed to his lineup. The Dragons and Knights may also take a look, as well as the Bulldogs, given Josh Addo-Carr is expected to depart.
Worth: $300,000-plus
