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. As the Origin period concludes and the regular season draws to a close, the focus shifts to player retention and the strategic moves that will shape the league's future. With the tax-free contracts offered by the PNG Chiefs looming as a significant threat, teams are scrambling to secure their key players before they're poached by rival clubs.
The Broncos, for instance, have locked up their main stars like Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan beyond 2027, leaving them with less pressure to retain core players. Ben Hunt and Dane Gagai's final seasons in the NRL are likely, while young gun wingers Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner will be priorities to ensure depth in the outside backs. The club might target a top prop to bolster their forwards, with four-time premiership winner Moses Leota linked with a move.
The Raiders, meanwhile, boast one of the NRL's best forward packs, but face challenges with key players like Josh Papalii and Corey Horsburgh leaving. Hudson Young, the heartbeat of the Raiders' forward pack, is a priority retention target. The club will also need to decide on the future of Ethan Sanders, who has shown glimpses of potential but may be allowed to hit the open market if he regresses.
The Bulldogs face a similar dilemma with emerging star backrower Jacob Preston, who's been offered around $800,000 a season but is likely to test himself on the open market. The club has indicated a pay cut for Matt Burton, who's rumoured to be a target for Parramatta. The Bulldogs need a ball-playing lock, and might target Tallis Duncan or David Fifita, who's been linked with several clubs.
The Sharks, despite having one of the most stable rosters in recent years, are set to shake things up with several players leaving at the end of the season. Will Kennedy, a steady performer, is on a one-year deal, indicating the club is constantly on the search for an upgrade. The Sharks need a high-quality dummy-half, with Kennedy's future uncertain.
The Dolphins, with a flooded backline and a strong halfback, need to focus on strengthening the middle of the park. Luron Patea, a young and uncompromising player, could be a target, as could fellow Origin player Corey Horsburgh, who's been linked with a move back to Queensland. The club also needs a centre, with Paul Alamoti a potential target.
The Titans, with a young halfback in Zane Harrison, need to retain him to build on his match-winning form. Jojo Fifita, a State of Origin star, is also a key retention target. The club might target a prop to tighten up their defence, with Xavier Willison showing his importance in tight games.
The Sea Eagles face an interesting period with the Trbojevic brothers set to hit the open market. Jake is likely to retire, but Tom's future is uncertain. The club needs a prop and might target the Couchman brothers or David Fifita. They also need a hooker, with Tom Starling potentially looking for a starting spot elsewhere.
The Storm, desperate for big bodies in the middle, need to prioritise Stefano Utoikamanu. The future of Eliesa Katoa, who suffered a life-threatening brain bleed, will be a big talking point. The club needs a prop, with Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford complementing the team well. Teig Wilton, a backrower, could be a good option to beef up the pack.
The Warriors, with a strong spine, need to keep Wayde Egan, who will attract interest from rivals. Jackson Ford should also be a priority, while the club needs to decide on the future of Jett Cleary over Te Maire Martin. The Warriors might target centres like Sebastian Kris or Josiah Karapani.
The Cowboys, with a good roster make-up, need to retain Jeremiah Nanai, a point of difference for their potent attack. Zac Laybutt and Soni Luke are in and out of the side, with the club likely to sort out their next contracts next season. The Cowboys might make a play for Tom Flegler, a homecoming for the Dolphins prop.
The Eels, with a strong backline, need to focus on bolstering their halves. Ryley Smith, a promising hooker, is a priority, while Josh Addo-Carr and Matt Doorey are likely to sign one or two-year deals. The club needs a genuine five-eighth, with Matt Burton a potential target.
The Panthers, with a strong list of players, need to decide on the futures of Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo. Liam Martin is a priority signing, while Brian To'o and Moses Leota are likely to move on. The club might target outside back and prop, with Tevita Naufahu a potential target.
The Rabbitohs, with 18 players without a deal beyond 2027, need to focus on retaining key players like Latrell Mitchell and Tallis Duncan. David Fifita has been sound in a prove-it deal, while Campbell Graham is a fringe rep player and a real asset. The club needs to look at bolstering their halves, with Cody Walker expected to continue.
The Dragons, with the emergence of the Couchman twins, need a high-quality dummy-half. The club might target Wayde Egan or Blake Mozer, while Loko Pasifiki Tonga looks to have a bright NRL future. The Dragons need to focus on strengthening their stocks in the forwards.
The Roosters face an interesting period with several key players off-contract. Sam Walker, considered one of the game's elite halves, is expected to command a deal worth $1.2 million a season. The club might target players like Jacob Preston, Xavier Coates, and David Fifita to remain in title contention. The Roosters also need to decide on the futures of James Tedesco and Spencer Leniu.
The Tigers, with the arrival of Jake Averillo, need to focus on targeting middles to shore up their stocks in the forwards. They might target players like Thomas Flegler or Spencer Leniu, but will need to find bargain buys and focus on poaching realistic options.
