Rugby league's silly season has kicked off and this year will be even more difficult to manage for clubs, players and agents alike due to the threat of the Perth Bears.
As of November 1, the competition's newest club have been able to negotiate with and sign players for the 2027 season, adding more chaos to the player market.
While some teams have things in good shape from a roster standpoint, others are going to be looking over their shoulders at the Bears – as well as every other club.
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The drama has already started, with Broncos superstar Payne Haas heavily linked with a move to R360 on a deal worth an estimated $3 million per season.
Nine's Michael Chammas reported on a recent episode of the Triple M NRL podcast that the front-rower is leaning towards the enormous code switch.
One of the other big names on the market is Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, who recently confirmed he would test the waters as the club starts another rebuild.
Fa'asuamaleaui is one of the best front-rowers in the competition and told News Corp from inside Kangaroos camp last month of his desire to field offers from rival clubs.
The most obvious landing spot would be the Bears, who are no doubt desperate to sign a marquee talent right off the bat for their 2027 introduction to the competition, but the Storm have also publicly expressed interest in bringing him back to the club.
Here's every player who is off-contract and available for the 2027 season and beyond.
Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane have entered an interesting free agency period, with veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt both technically available to sign with rival clubs.
However, the more likely course of action would see both players retire at the end of 2026 and usher in a new era, with young gun Jonah Pezet set to join the club.
The top priority for the Broncos will be the retention of Haas, who originally had indicated his desire to remain at the club long-term but is now in the sights of R360.
Injured utility Billy Walters looms as another player the club will want to hang onto, while hooker Cory Paix has proven his worth and wore the No.9 jumper in the grand final.
Coby Black, who was long seen as the heir apparent to Reynolds in the halfback role, will leave the club and is expected to join Canberra for 2027.
Players off-contract: 11
Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, Billy Walters, Cory Paix, Delouise Hoeter, Jack Gosiewski, Jaiyden Hunt, Jesse Arthars, Josh Rogers, Payne Haas, Tom Duffy
Canberra Raiders
Ricky Stuart has a settled roster, with very few players available beyond next year.
The one player the Green Machine will be desperate to keep is winger Savelio Tamale, who was on track to claim Rookie of the Year honours before a knee injury.
Young forward Ata Mariota is also a priority and is expected to re-sign with Canberra.
Players off-contract: 7
Ata Mariota, Chevy Stewart, Josh Papalii, Matt Timoko (CO), Michael Asomua, Morgan Smithies, Savelio Tamale
Canterbury Bulldogs
While a lot of the key pieces of the puzzle have been solved, Phil Gould still has some big decisions to make over the next few months.
As it stands, Viliame Kikau – one of the early recruits to the Belmore rebuild – is unsigned beyond next year and could attract plenty of interest on the open market.
The crucial call for Canterbury centres around the fullback role, with incumbent Connor Tracey and recruit Kade Dykes both off-contract for 2027.
However, one spanner in the works for both players' futures could be teenage prospect David Bryenton, who was a standout at the schoolboy level and has joined the Bulldogs.
Josh Curran and Kurt Mann have been solid contributors over the past two years and could earn fresh deals with the club.
Players off-contract: 12
Connor Tracey, Enari Tuala, Jack Todd, Kade Dykes, Kurt Mann, Viliame Kikau, Josh Curran, Lipoi Hopoi, Marcelo Montoya, Samuel Hughes, Sean O'Sullivan, Zyon Maiu'u
Cronulla Sharks
The club with the most players set to come off-contract at the end of 2026 are the Sharks, who have more than half their roster available from November 1.
And if you're looking through the list, there's reason to believe a fair chunk of them could be set to move on as Craig Fitzgibbon searches for his first premiership.
There will need to be decisions made around a few positions, with props Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele, as well as wingers Sione Katoa and Sam Stonestreet, among those battling for a new deal to remain in the Shire.
Will Kennedy was recently given a one-year extension after a career-best campaign, but is already back on the market and could be a great pick-up for Perth.
Players off-contract: 16
Billy Burns, Blake Hosking, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Cameron McInnes, Chris Veaila, Hohepa Puru, Jayden Berrell, Jesse Colquhuon, Jesse Ramien, Niwhai Puru, Riley Jones, Sam Stonestreet, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai, Toby Rudolf, Will Kennedy
Dolphins
The good news is that the club's two marquee men, Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, are both locked up and will be in Redcliffe colours for a while.
However, there are still some quality players who could be off-contract, and it would be a major surprise if the likes of Jamayne Isaako and Jake Averillo don't get extended.
The most intriguing name on the list is a player who hasn't even pulled on the jersey yet, in Selwyn Cobbo, who only inked a one-year deal after leaving the Broncos.
Cobbo is one of the game's most exciting players when he's fit and firing, which could see another club swoop before he plays a single game for the Dolphins.
Players off-contract: 12
Brad Schneider, Connelly Lemuelu, Francis Molo, Jake Averillo, Jamayne Isaako, James Walsh, Kodi Nikorima, Max Feagai, Oryn Keeley, Ray Stone, Trai Fuller, Selwyn Cobbo
Gold Coast Titans
Josh Hannay has only just got his feet under the desk and already faces an uphill battle to retain some of Gold Coast's best players.
Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, as was already mentioned, will test the open market, which has likely set off alarm bells inside the four walls.
Jayden Campbell would be a target for plenty of clubs – especially given the lack of playmakers available – but the early mail is that he will extend his tenure.
The second-gen gun relished wearing the No.7 jumper this year despite the Titans struggling for results and still has his best football ahead of him.
David Fifita was released with a year to run on his deal and joined South Sydney.
Players off-contract: 8
Beau Fermor, Brian Kelly, Jaimin Jolliffe, Jayden Campbell, Phillip Sami, Sam Verrills, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tuki Simpkins
Manly Sea Eagles
After a tumultuous season-long contract saga surrounding skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, the club managed to avoid a similar fate with one off their other favourite sons.
Tom Trbojevic was linked with a move overseas, but has opted to sign a fresh one-year deal that will keep him on the Northern Beaches until the end of 2027.
However, the future of older brother Jake remains up in the air and there have been suggestions the veteran forward could be headed for retirement soon.
Young speedster Tolu Koula will be a crucial retention for the Sea Eagles, while fellow outside back Reuben Garrick is likely to field offers from rivals.
Players off-contract: 8
Aaron Schoupp, Jake Simpkin, Jake Trbojevic, Lachlan Croker, Nathan Brown, Paul Bryan, Reuben Garrick, Tolutau Koula
Melbourne Storm
Perhaps the most talked-about NRL club since the grand final has been the Storm, with the future of man key players the topic of much speculation.
Ryan Papenhuyzen has been granted an early release from his contract, but captain Harry Grant has indicated he would formalise a new deal after the Ashes series.
The utility value of Tyran Wishart has been a blessing for Melbourne in recent seasons, but he could soon look to test himself as a permanent starter on another team.
Jonah Pezet was granted a release in late-October to join the Eels and then the Broncos.
Players off-contract: 5
Harry Grant, Nick Meaney, Shawn Blore, Tyran Wishart, Will Warbrick
Newcastle Knights
While new coach Justin Holbrook faces an uphill battle to turn the club's fortunes around, there are some positives at the Knights with the roster.
Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe and new recruits Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith are all crucial cogs in the wheel and could form a long-term spine for the club.
Veteran stars Tyson Frizell and Dane Gagai are the only players of note without a deal beyond 2026, while cult hero Greg Marzhew's future is also undecided.
Players off-contract: 6
Brodie Jones, Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew, Thomas Cant, Tyson Gamble, Tyson Frizell
New Zealand Warriors
It's a long list of off-contract players for the Warriors in this period free agency, but the club was not going to risk losing their star halfback Luke Metcalf.
Just over a week out from the November 1 date, Metcalf inked a two-year extension with the New Zealand-based team in a major boost.
The 26-year-old was set to be one of the most sought-after players, however, the trust of coach Andrew Webster was all he needed to put pen to paper on a new deal.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Kurt Capewell and Te Maire Martin are all experienced quality players, but their futures with the Wahs haven't been secured yet, with Tuivasa-Sheck strongly linked with a move to R360.
Players off-contract: 9
Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Rocco Berry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Taine Tuaupiki, Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin
North Queensland Cowboys
While the pressure on head coach Todd Payten continues to mount, things need to move quickly with a number of players in Townsville.
Jaxon Purdue is regarded as one of the game's best young talents but was shuffled around multiple positions in 2025 and there is still no clear indication where he will fit into the side long-term if he does stay with the Cowboys.
Should the 20-year-old test himself on the open market, there would be no shortage of rival clubs lining up to acquire his services – whether at fullback, centre or in the halves.
Star winger Murray Taulagi is another interesting name yet to extend his stay for 2027.
Griffin Neame recently signed a long-term deal to remain at the club.
Players off-contract: 11
Braidon Burns, Jake Clifford, Jaxon Purdue, Jaxson Paulo, John Bateman, Kai O'Donnell, Kaiden Lahrs, Karl Lawton, Murray Taulagi, Sam McIntyre, Tom Chester
Parramatta Eels
Jason Ryles has done a solid job thus far turning things around and has made plenty of big changes to the Parramatta roster, but some decisions still need to be made.
Veteran prop Junior Paulo had a resurgence under the new coach and has earned a new deal, while superstar winger Josh Addo-Carr will need to be locked up soon.
The future of Ryan Matterson remains up in the air after his brief loan stint in the Super League, with the back-rower still signed with the Eels for 2026.
Zac Lomax also has a cloud over his future at Parramatta, with plenty of rumours circling in recent months linking the star winger with an early exit and move to R360.
Jonah Pezet will join the club for one season only before moving to the Broncos.
Players off-contract: 11
Charlie Guymer, Dylan Walker, Jack de Belin (CO), Joash Papalii, Josh Addo-Carr, Junior Paulo, Matt Doorey, Ronald Volkman, Ryan Matterson, Toni Mataele, Will Penisini
Penrith Panthers
There is very little for the Panthers to worry about this November, with all of their big guns locked in for at least another two seasons.
That being said, decisions will certainly need to be made around some experienced players – including one who featured in all four of their grand final victories.
Scott Sorensen is unsigned beyond 2026 as it stands and is coming towards the end of his career, with the potential to cash in elsewhere a genuine option.
Young forward Liam Henry is expected to test the market and could be a quality pick-up for several rival NRL clubs.
Players off-contract: 10
Jack Cole, Kalani Going, Liam Henry, Lindsay Smith, Luke Garner, Matt Eisenhuth, Scott Sorensen, Trent Toelau, Tom Ale, Tom Jenkins
St George Illawarra Dragons
Shane Flanagan has turned the Red V roster on its head since arriving at the club in 2024 – but there's still plenty of work to be done and that will now fall on the shoulders of Daniel Anderson, who recently joined the club as the recruitment boss.
As it stands, the off-contract list for the Dragons early in the crucial November free agency period sits in the double digits.
If we're being brutally honest, almost all of the players could be on their way out the door, with only Jaydn Su'A still unquestionably deserving of a new deal after young gun Hamish Stewart extended his tenure in early-November until 2029.
Cult hero Christian Tuipulotu played some fantastic football in 2025 but struggled to stay fit, while front-rower Hame Sele is a quality player but falls under the same umbrella.
Lachlan Ilias was granted an early release to join the Titans for 2026, while hooker and co-captain Damien Cook's career is starting to wind down.
Players off-contract: 9
Blake Lawrie, Christian Tuipulotu, Damien Cook, Emre Guler, Hame Sele, Jaydn Su'A, Luciano Leilua, Mat Feagai, Tyrell Sloan
South Sydney Rabbitohs
All eyes will be on ageing playmaker Cody Walker heading into next season, with the club giving him a one-year extension that will take him past his 36th birthday.
The five-eighth struggled to stay on the field for the Bunnies this year and it's expected by many that Walker will hang up the boots once this deal expires.
Walker's likely retirement means that the most important situation for South Sydney to address is keeping local junior Keaon Koloamatangi on the books as long as possible.
The 27-year-old has given his all for the cardinal and myrtle since his debut more than half a decade ago and deserves to be rewarded with an upgrade, but has indicated he could field offers from rival clubs after his recent debut for the Kangaroos.
Players off-contract: 7
Ashton Ward, Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, Jye Gray, Keaon Koloamatangi, Sean Keppie, Moala Graham-Taufa
Sydney Roosters
While they have the least amount of players hitting the open market, Trent Robinson would want to keep every single one of them outside of new recruit Daly Cherry-Evans, who is only likely to spend one season at Bondi.
James Tedesco is coming off perhaps the best season of his career from an individual perspective and could continue into 2027 if his form is anything to go by.
Angus Crichton has been linked with a code switch to rugby union and could weigh up offers, while winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has already confirmed he will leave.
Players off-contract: 6
Angus Crichton, Daly Cherry-Evans, Daniel Tupou, James Tedesco, Siua Wong, Xavier Va'a
Wests Tigers
While there are plenty of players on this list, only two of them will be giving the club's long-suffering fans sleepless nights.
Despite signing what was believed to be a five-year deal, Jarome Luai has technically become become a free agent from November 1 due to options in his favour.
Luai was seen as the biggest signing for Benji Marshall's rebuild and while the Samoan international hasn't indicated he will leave, rugby league is a funny game.
The other key man the Tigers will be hoping to keep is fullback Jahream Bula, who also has clauses in his contract, but Wide World of Sports' The Mole has reported he may be heading through the exit door after the club decided not to keep his wife in their NRLW squad.
Players off-contract: 12
Heath Mason, Jack Bird, Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai (PO), Kit Laulilii, Luke Laulilii, Mavrik Geyer, Sione Fainu, Solomone Saukuru, Tony Sukkar, Tristan Hope, Will Craig
