The NRL's off-season is heating up as teams gear up 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 is another interesting element pending free agents will consider before making a decision. 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 in the NRL. Young gun wingers Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner will be priorities to ensure depth in the outside backs, although Karapani is on thin ice after off-field indiscretions. Premiership winner Brendan Piakura has a long future ahead, but his injury history may give the club pause. They've signed NSW Origin prop Mitch Barnett to replace Payne Haas, but might go for another top prop to bolster their forwards. Potential targets include Moses Leota, Paul Alamoti, and a crafty hooker 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: Superstar back rower Hudson Young is the club's first retention target. Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses, but the Raiders aren't in a rush to re-sign him. Corey Horsburgh is prone to errors but makes the team better. Xavier Savage is a game-breaker when he shows up. The Raiders do boast one of the NRL's best forward packs, but Josh Papalii is leaving, and Horsburgh may head elsewhere. Potential targets include Morgan Smithies and a replacement for Horsburgh.
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 of around $800,000 a season. The club has indicated to Matt Burton that his next contract offer will resemble a centre, meaning a pay cut. Max King emerged as a State of Origin player, and the Bulldogs need to lock down their props. Mitchell Woods has had injury issues but is seen as the long-term halfback. Potential targets include a ball-playing lock, a replacement for Preston, and a centre.
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 backrowers. Potential targets include Kennedy, who lacks the ability to break the game apart, and Cody Ramsey, 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 they keep their star backline foursome? PNG will come hunting with offers, and Bostock's price will shoot through the roof after his Origin debut. Cobbo has found career-best form. Farnworth wants to stay but has been circled by the Roosters. The club hasn't resigned Kodi Nikorima beyond this season. Potential targets include Luron Patea, who can't make the starting side due to premiership winners, and fellow Origin player 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 young halfback Zane Harrison before November 1. A three-year contract extension has been offered to keep him until 2030. Harrison has looked very measured for a young halfback. Young halves are like gold, so the Titans need to retain him. Jojo Fifita showed what a player he was during State of Origin. Potential targets include Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who needs more support in the middle, and J'maine Hopgood, who would be perfect to stand in the middle of the park.
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 Tom? He suffered a hamstring injury and has young guns Lehi Hopoate and Tolutau Koula who can play fullback. Tom is a club legend and will be 31 when the 2028 season starts. Luke Brooks is recovering from an ACL injury and might be looking for a new home. 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: A bunch of stars can talk with rival clubs from November 1, including Cameron Munster, Xavier Coates, and Stefano Utoikamanu. The Storm are desperate for big bodies in the middle, so Utoikamanu should be prioritised. The future of Eliesa Katoa will be a big talking point in the off-season. Coates is another important one because the Storm are desperate for big flyers out wide. Potential targets include Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford to complement the team's 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 five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita is interesting given he only wanted to sign a one-year deal for 2027. Wayde Egan will attract interest from rival clubs. Jackson Ford should be a priority. Do they prioritise Jett Cleary over Te Maire Martin? Kayliss Fatialofa has already been sought after but has stuck with the Warriors. Potential targets include Sebastian Kris and young Bronco Josiah Karapani.
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 their roster make-up. Players at key positions are locked down long-term, and emerging talent is coming through. Jeremiah Nanai should be the Cowboys' first priority on the retention front. Jason Taumalolo will be 32 by the end of next season and may decide to hang up the boots. Potential targets include Tom Flegler, who was born and raised in Tully, and could be a homecoming for the Dolphins prop.
