Good morning November 1, the official start a new NRL contract year.
Alas, if you’ve got the popcorn ready in anticipation of a flurry of earth-shaking news and player transfers, you may be a little disappointed.
Unlike transfer deadlines that drive a flurry of last-minute announcements, November 1 is merely the opening of a window that now remains open.
While, technically speaking, off-contract players and their agents can now freely engage in formal negotiations with rival clubs for the 2027 NRL season and beyond, let’s not kid ourselves here.
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Many such conversations have already been occurring for some time as parties on all sides test the water in ‘off the record’ settings, often through intermediaries in preparation for the signing of 2027 deals in the coming days and weeks.
Regardless, unquestionably the biggest news this November 1 is the Perth Bears, who are now officially in the market for players as they look to build a competitive roster for their inaugural season in 2027.
It seems almost every free agent in the NRL has been linked with Mal Meninga’s side at some stage in recent months, headlined by two star players currently with the Kangaroos in England, Cameroon Munster (yes, we know, he’s technically not a free agent) and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
If the Bears were able to land either, it would represent a major coup.
Indeed, while there’s no rush to fill their entire 30-man list, Perth Bears recruitment manager Dane Campbell will no doubt be keen to make some big swings as soon as possible to avoid missing key targets and also use those marquee signings to attract more talent across the Nullarbor.
Back on the eastern seaboard, one piece of contract news we should finally expect in the next day or two is confirmation of Daly Cherry-Evans an his long-mooted move to the Sydney Roosters.
Ironically it’s an announcement that has no links to November 1, given it could have been announced at any stage since last November 1.
Other off-contract names to watch closely in the coming days and weeks include Jayden Campbell, Viliame Kikau, Lindsay Smith, Connor Tracey, Tyran Wishart, Jaxon Purdue, Angus Crichton and Jahream Bula.
Where they all land is anyone’s guess.