The 2025 campaign is with finals and NRL contract endings rapidly approaching.
Clubs have been hard at work locking down their rosters, with the upcoming introduction of two new franchises making this management even more important.
Yet while a host of movement has played out, there are still numerous players available to be signed.
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Who is off-contract in the NRL? Every player without a deal for 2026
Brisbane
Brisbane had several key players off-contract throughout the first few months of the 2025 campaign. However, they managed to land a triple signing in June to lock down Kotoni Staggs, Adam Reynolds and Blake Mozer.
One headline name remained without a deal though, with Selwyn Cobbo deciding to move away from Red Hill.
Jack Gosiewski now stands as the next most urgent port of call for the Broncos after the forward has received increased game time under Michael Maguire.
Broncos players available to sign:
- Corey Jensen, Cory Paix, Delouise Hoeter, Fletcher Baker, Israel Leota, Jack Gosiewski, Jaiyden Hunt,
Canberra
Tom Starling provided the most worry for Canberra up until June with the hooker in career-best touch during the 2025 season. Yet they managed to get the No.9 to ink a new two-year deal.
Legendary figure, Josh Papalii, will reportedly be moving on though.
The former Maroons and Aussie rep forward took up an option in his deal to stay at the club this season but it could be his final one in the nation's capital.
Papalii has made over 300 appearances for the Green Machine and was tipped to be a one-club man in the NRL.
Raiders players available to sign:
- Albert Hopoate, Corey Harawira-Naera, Danny Levi, Jordan Martin, Josh Papalii, Vena Patuki-Case
Canterbury
Toby Sexton was the headline name still available until recently. However, he has since signed a deal with the Catalans.
The halfback has been a key component of Canterbury’s rise in the past 18 months but was not offered a new deal.
Lachlan Galvin was then recruited and brought on board mid-season to leave Sexton’s future at Belmore dead in the water.
Bulldogs players available to sign:
- Blake Taaffe, Blake Wilson, Drew Hutchison, Jake Turpin
Cronulla
Will Kennedy has been Craig Fitzgibbon’s first-choice fullback since he took over in the Shire but he is still without a contract for next season.
The No.1 endured a difficult campaign in 2024, with question marks around his spot prevalent. However, he fended off the challenge from Kade Dykes and Liam Ison to keep his starting spot.
Cronulla had a wealth of talent off-contract and managed to secure pretty much all of it.
Ronaldo Mulitalo, KL Iro, Braydon Trindall, Briton Nikora, Sam Stonestreet and Teig Wilton have all re-signed this year to leave Kennedy in a perilous spot.
Sharks players available to sign:
- Billy Burns, Jayden Berrell, Mawene Hiroti, Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha, Will Kennedy
Dolphins
Josh Kerr has established himself as a regular member of Kristian Woolf’s side this year.
The veteran forward has mainly been utilised off the bench, averaging 86 run metres and 16 tackles per game.
The 29-year-old opened up on his desire to stay in Redcliffe previously, although he did note that he wouldn’t contemplate taking a low offer as he had done in the past.
"I’ll never be that person that gets taken advantage of by my club ever again," Kerr stated.
Ker has signed with the Dragons on a two-year deal.
Phins players available to sign:
- Felise Kaufusi, Harrison Graham, Kenny Bromwich, Mark Nicholls, Sean O’Sullivan
Gold Coast
Kieran Foran was the highest profile player set to be off-contract on the Gold Coast, however he has since announced his retirement.
Attention now turns to Jacob Alick-Wiencke after Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui's decision to move to Catalans, both of whom have been regular members of the 17 this season via the bench.
Titans players available to sign:
- Ben Liyou, Harley Smith-Shields, Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Ryan Foran, Ryder Williams, Tony Francis
Manly
Ethan Bullemor has been a reliable player for Anthony Seibold throughout his time on the Northern Beaches and would have several potential suitors if the Sea Eagles couldn't table a suitable offer.
Lucky for Sea Eagles fans, the hard-hitting forward has re-signed on a four-year contract extension.
The forward has been at his best being used off the bench in recent years, with his leg speed providing a much-needed spark through the middle.
Meanwhile, Daly Cherry-Evans sent shockwaves through the club when he announced he would leave at the end of the season.
DCE’s exit caused a downturn in performances and results for the Sea Eagles but the halfback is just one of many players off-contract at the end of his year.
Fellow first-team regulars Tommy Talau and Siua Taukei’aho are also off-contract, while Josh Aloiai could be set for a premature retirement due to a shoulder injury.
Sea Eagles players available to sign:
- Aaron Schoupp, Aitasi James, Dean Matterson, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Michael Chee Kam, Raymond Vaega, Siua Taukei’aho, Tommy Talau
Melbourne
Tui Kamikamica has been based in Melbourne for the entirety of his NRL career but his nine-year stay may be drawing to a close.
The Fijian international has seen his game time reduced this year as he has been used off the bench in all but one of his appearances to date.
Although the veteran could still provide some quality experience within a forward pack elsewhere if the Storm opt not to re-sign him.
Storm players available to sign:
- Ativalu Lisati, Dean Ieremia, Lazarus Vaalepu, Marion Seve, Tui Kamikamica
Newcastle
Newcastle has been busy in the player market this year, locking down emerging talent such as Fletcher Sharpe and Fletcher Hunt while also going big on Dylan Brown.
This has left them short of money in other areas with Jayden Brailey, Kai Pearce-Paul and Leo Thompson all departing at the end of the campaign.
Adam Elliott has had a mixed time in the Hunter, playing a key role at times in between lengthy stints in the casualty ward.
The lock is without a deal for 2026 and it looks like he will be another play cut from the roster.
Knights players available to sign:
- Adam Elliott, Jack Hetherington, Jackson Hastings, Mason Teague
New Zealand
Te Maire Martin lost his starting spot in the halves this season after forming an effective partnership with Shaun Johnson last year.
Luke Metcalf and Chanel Harris-Tavita have been Andrew Webster’s first-choice pairing this time around. As a result, Martin has been pushed to the periphery and forced to find game time off the bench.
The playmaker is likely to be looking for a move elsewhere for next season as he tries to grab a starting role once again.
Warriors players available to sign:
- Bunty Afoa, Edward Kosi, Morgan Harper, Te Maire Martin, Tom Ale
North Queensland
Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy were the biggest names who were still without a deal in Townsville. However, the club opted to go with Clifford on a one-year extension.
The 27-year-old started his NRL career in Townsville back in 2018 and has since experienced a nomadic career, taking in the sights in Newcastle before also playing in the Super League.
The playmaker returned to North Queensland in 2024 but has been unable to fully establish himself in the side, yet will have the chance to do so over the next few years.
Meanwhile, Duffy has signed a one-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.
Cowboys player available to sign:
- Jamal Shibasaki, Semi Valemei
Parramatta
Joey Lussick has seen his opportunities limited under Jason Ryles' watch, playing just a handful of games to date.
The hooker has spent the majority of his career at the Eels and looked to have nailed down a spot in the 17 last year as he clocked 19 matches.
However, he has since fallen down the pecking order with Ryley Smith preferred, while Tallyn Da Silva has since joined the club.
Eels players available to sign:
- Haze Dunster, Joey Lussick, Wiremu Greig
Penrith
Daine Laurie has been a solid replacement for the Panthers during Dylan Edwards' injury absences and time spent away on Origin duty the past two years.
However, his limited opportunities may see him seek a move away from the foot of the mountains for the second time in his career.
Brad Schneider was also in a similar position with the halfback shifting to the Dolphins for 2026.
Panthers players available to sign:
- Asu Kepaoa, Daine Laurie, Harrison Hassett, Luke Sommerton, Preston Riki, Riley Price, Soni Luke
St George Illawarra
Jack de Belin openly expressed how he wanted to be a one-club player for the Dragons, but this prospect has ended with the veteran forward announcing his exit.
The former NSW rep is approaching 250 matches in the NRL and has been a favourite of Shane Flanagan's since he arrived at the Red V.
However, the club prioritised keeping hold of their stack of young forwards who have been emerging with Ryan and Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan and Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Hasangahu handed extensions.
Corey Allan has endured a tough time with injuries since his move to the club but the former QLD rep can still offer much-needed depth in the backline.
Dragons players available to sign:
- Corey Allan, David Klemmer, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Viliami Fifita
South Sydney
Cody Walker was one of two veterans who were due to come off-contract at the end of the season, with Alex Johnston since being re-signed.
Wayne Bennett revealed halfway through the campaign that the club was in dialogue with the favourites as they wanted them to extend their stays at Redfern.
The five-eighth has been hampered by injuries during the 2025 season but he remains a quality playmaker despite being in the final stages of his career.
Rabbitohs players available to sign:
- Ben Lovett, Davvy Moale, Haizyn Mellars, Jacob Host, Josh Schuster, Shaq Mitchell, Siliva Havili, Thomas Fletcher
Sydney Roosters
The Sydney Roosters have moved to either release or lock down all of their key players in the past year or so to have a stable roster for 2026.
Chad Townsend was a veteran signed on a short-term deal last year and is at long odds to be offered another season in Bondi due to the emerging talent in the halves.
Hugo Savala and Sandon Smith have been strong for the Chooks, while Sam Walker will return from his extended injury layoff at the business end of the campaign.
There is also the small matter of the club’s proposed signing of DCE.
Chooks players available to sign:
- Chad Townsend, Ethan Roberts, Tyler Moriarty, Zach Dockar-Clay
Wests Tigers
Adam Doueihi was the major name yet to secure his future for next season.
The injury-plagued Lebanese international has overcome numerous setbacks to get through the first half of this year unscathed.
He has found a home for himself in the centres and earned a two-year contract extension.
Doueihi is still only 26 years old and has plenty to offer in the NRL, provided he has put his knee issues behind him.
Tigers players available to sign:
- Brandon Tumeth, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Josh Feledy, Justin Matamua, Kit Laulilii, Taylan May