TL;DR
- Clubs are finalizing rosters before the November 1 deadline, with two new franchises adding complexity.
- Several key players remain unsigned across various NRL clubs, creating opportunities for new signings.
- Notable players like Selwyn Cobbo, Fletcher Baker, and Corey Harawira-Naera are among those still available.
- Player movements and contract extensions are ongoing, shaping the landscape for the 2026 season.
The 2025 campaign has concluded, and focus is shifting towards the approaching November 1 deadline.
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.
MORE: Perth Bears potential signings - The NRL stars that could be targeted by new franchise
NRL 2026 player contracts expiring
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 , Corey Jensen, Cory Paix and Jaiyden Hunt all extended their deals, leaving Fletcher Baker as the main player left without a deal.
Broncos players for sign
- Fletcher Baker
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 then completed a remarkable u-turn to extend his time in the nation's capital after previously looking like he was on his way out.
Corey Harawira-Naera's future remains clouded as the backrower continues to try and battle his way back to the game after a health issue two years ago. Danny Levi hasn't been offered a new deal and will move on from the nation's capital.
Raiders roster:
- Corey Harawira-Naera, Danny Levi, Jordan Martin, Vena Patuki-Case
Canterbury
Toby Sexton was the headline name still available until recently. However, he has since signed a deal with Catalans.
The halfback has been a key component of Canterbury’s rise in the past 18 months but was not offered a new deal as Lachlan Galvin was brought to Belmore.
Jake Turpin is yet to ink an extension at the Dogs and has already been targeted by Manly, while Drew Hutchison will also be available.
Bulldogs signees ready
- Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Drew Hutchison, Jake Turpin
Cronulla
Will Kennedy has been Craig Fitzgibbon’s first-choice fullback since he took over in the Shire but looked like he could have been heading out of the club after being left without a deal at the end of the season.
However, the No.1 has inked a one-year extension in the off-season to remain at the club, leaving Mawene Hiroti as the biggest name still off-contract.
Sharks players open for signing
- Mawene Hiroti, Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha
Dolphins
Felise Kaufusi was due to hit the open market after declaring he was keen to keep going around in the NRL. However, the enforcer eventually reached a deal with the Phins to extend his stay at Redcliffe.
Meanwhile, Harrison Graham and Sean O'Sullivan have moved elsewhere, while Kenny Bromwich and Mark Nicholls have called time on their careers.
Phins: players ready
- Michael Waqa
Gold Coast
Kieran Foran was the highest profile player set to be off-contract on the Gold Coast, however he announced his retirement towards the end of the campaign.
Jacob Alick-Wiencke and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui's have opted to move to the Super League after both players were regular members of the 17 this season via the bench.
Tony Francis now stands as the major bit of business to try and attend to before the November 1 deadline.
Titans sign players now
- Ben Liyou, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Foran, Tony Francis
Manly
Ethan Bullemor has been a reliable player for Anthony Seibold throughout his time on the Northern Beaches and would have had several potential suitors if the Sea Eagles couldn't table a suitable offer.
Lucky for Sea Eagles fans, the hard-hitting forward re-signed on a four-year contract extension.
Tommy Talau's future remains unclear, with the backline player linked to a move to the Super League.
Sea Eagles' roster spots open
- Aitasi James, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, 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 primarily used off the bench.
Although the veteran could still provide some quality experience within a forward pack elsewhere if the Storm opt not to re-sign him as South Sydney are reportedly sniffing around.
Storm signings open
- 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.
Meanwhile, Jackson Hastings and Jack Hetherington are also on the lookout for new clubs.
Knights sign players
- Adam Elliott, Jack Hetherington, Jackson Hastings, Mason Teague
New Zealand
Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale were surprise departures from New Zealand, with the two forwards allowed to leave the club. Afoa has since taken a deal from the Wests Tigers, while Ale inked a one-year deal with the Penrith Panthers.
Warriors stars free agents
- Morgan Harper
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 playmaker 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.
Meanwhile, Duffy has signed a one-year deal with Brisbane.
Semi Valemei is now the top off-contract player in Townsville, having been passed over for selection during the entire 2025 season.
Cowboys player ready for signing:
- Semi Valemei
Parramatta
Joey Lussick has seen his opportunities limited under Jason Ryles' watch, playing just a handful of games.
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.
Players on the Eels roster who can be signed:
- Haze Dunster, Joey Lussick, Richard Penisini
Penrith
The Panthers have decided to allow a host of fringe first graders go, with the likes of Daine Laurie and Mavrik Geyer moving elsewhere in the NRL.
Meanwhile, Soni Luke has been left un-signed and will need to find a new home.
Players the Panthers have available to sign:
- Harrison Hassett, 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 ex-NSW representative is nearing 250 NRL games and has been a favored player of Shane Flanagan's since joining the Red V.
The club's main focus was retaining its group of developing young forwards, including Ryan and Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, and Jacob Hasangahu, all of whom received contract 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.
David Klemmer won't be signing a new contract with The Dragons, having accepted an offer from St Helens instead.
Dragons signable players:
- Corey Allan, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, and Viliami Fifita
South Sydney
Cody Walker was among two veterans whose contracts were set to expire at season's end, but both he and Alex Johnston have since been re-signed.
Josh Schuster's time at Redfern has come to an end after a year, with his NRL career now in severe doubt. The likes of Jacob Host and Shaq Mitchell will join him out of the exit door.
Rabbitohs signings open.
- Josh Schuster, Shaq Mitchell
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.
Zach Dockar-Clay lost his place in the 17 towards the back end of the season and is without a deal in Bondi.
Players available for Chooks to sign:
- Tyler Moriarty, Zach Dockar-Clay
Wests Tigers
Adam Doueihi was the most significant player whose contract for the upcoming season remained unsettled. However, towards the end of the campaign, the Lebanese international was handed a new deal. Taylan May received a contract extension as well.
Concord has not presented new contracts to Brent Naden and Charlie Staines, who are now seeking other opportunities.
Tigers signees now:
- Brandon Tumeth, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Kit Laulilii