NRL 2027 Signings: Every Player Off-Contract and the Biggest Deals to Watch

The 2026 NRL season may be over, but the battle for the next premiership is already beginning.

With the Rugby League World Cup now approaching, clubs are also turning their attention towards the next major recruitment period, with November 1 set to be a crucial date for the future of some of the game's biggest stars.

Players who are off-contract at the end of the 2027 season can begin negotiating with rival clubs from November 1 if they have not already agreed to an extension.

There are some enormous names potentially available.

Brisbane Broncos

Players off-contract:

Phillip Coates, Dane Gagai, Ben Hunt, Josiah Karapani, Deine Mariner, Blake Mozer, Hayze Perham, Brendan Piakura, Ben Talty, Aublix Tawha and Xavier Willison.

Player to watch: Xavier Willison

Willison is arguably Brisbane's biggest retention priority. The prop enjoyed a breakout 2026 campaign and rival clubs are expected to show interest if he reaches the open market.

The Broncos have reportedly discussed a four-year deal worth around $4 million, although negotiations have been complicated by a change in Willison's management.

Canberra Raiders

Players off-contract:

Sebastian Kris, Myles Martin, Matty Nicholson, Ethan Sanders, Xavier Savage, Chevy Stewart and Hudson Young.

Player to watch: Hudson Young

Young is one of the biggest retention battles in the NRL.

The Raiders are attempting to keep their representative back-rower, while the PNG Chiefs have also shown interest. Canberra have reportedly put forward a four-year offer worth around $4 million.

Ethan Sanders has also indicated that he wants to remain in Canberra after winning the Dally M Rookie of the Year award.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Players off-contract:

Sosaia Alatini, Jaxson Allen, Matt Burton, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Alekolasimi Jones, Max King, Freddy Lussick, Jesse McLean, Jethro Rinakama, Jaeman Salmon, Logan Spinks, Connor Votano and Mitchell Woods.

Player to watch: Matt Burton

The Bulldogs have already secured Jacob Preston, meaning attention now turns to Burton.

The five-eighth/centre has reportedly been told that his next Bulldogs offer could be based more heavily on his value as a centre, potentially opening the door for rival clubs.

The Eels have been linked with Burton as a possible long-term replacement for Jarome Luai.

Cronulla Sharks

Players off-contract:

Thomas Dellow, Liam Ison, Riley Jones, Oregon Kaufusi, William Kennedy, Briton Nikora, Riley Pollard and Teig Wilton.

Players to watch: Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton

Cronulla have maintained one of the NRL's most stable rosters in recent years, but several departures mean the club could have salary-cap room to retain both of its quality back-rowers.

William Kennedy is also approaching another decision on his future after previously signing a series of shorter-term deals.

Dolphins

Players off-contract:

Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, John Fineanganofo, Tom Flegler, Trai Fuller, Felise Kaufusi, Morgan Knowles, Connelly Lemuelu, Tevita Naufahu, LJ Nonu, Elijah Rasmussen, Sebastian Su'a and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

The biggest dilemma: Farnworth vs Tabuai-Fidow

The Dolphins could face one of the most difficult retention jobs in the competition.

Farnworth and Tabuai-Fidow are both expected to command enormous money on the open market, while Jack Bostock has also dramatically increased his value after an impressive 2026 season and Origin debut.

The Dolphins will have to balance keeping their superstar backline together with maintaining a competitive squad around them. Farnworth has been linked for months with a move to the Roosters.

Gold Coast Titans

Players off-contract:

Cooper Bai, Adam Christensen, Jaylan De Groot, Siale Faeamani, Max Feagai, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tony Francis, Brock Gray, Zane Harrison, Lachlan Ilias, Sunny Kama, Oliver Pascoe, Josh Patston, Chris Randall, Luke Sommerton and Jensen Taumoepeau.

Player to watch: Zane Harrison

The young halfback is already attracting significant attention.

The Titans are attempting to secure Harrison before he reaches the open market, with reports suggesting his management is seeking a substantial upgrade, with the Bulldogs linked with a $900,000 per season deal. Wild.

The club has already secured Jojo Fifita until the end of 2029 and will be keen to keep its young core together.

Manly Sea Eagles

Players off-contract:

Luke Brooks, Hugo Hart, Lehi Hopoate, Onitoni Large, Caleb Navale, Jackson Shereb, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Corey Waddell and Navren Willett.

The big question: What happens to Tom Trbojevic?

All three Trbojevic brothers are potentially heading towards the open market.

Jake Trbojevic could be approaching retirement, while Ben has established himself as an important part of Manly's side. But Tom's future is the biggest talking point.

The former Dally M Medal winner has battled injuries throughout his career and will be 31 when the 2028 season begins. Manly also have emerging fullback options, meaning the club will have to weigh up Trbojevic's enormous value against the need to retain its younger stars.

Newcastle Knights

Players off-contract:

Matt Arthur, Bradman Best, Mat Croker, Harrison Graham, Fletcher Hunt, Asu Kepaoa, Jacob Saifiti, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Pasami Saulo and James Schiller.

Player to watch: Bradman Best

Best has emerged as one of the Knights' most important players and Newcastle are already working on a new deal.

The centre enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season under Justin Holbrook and earned another NSW Origin opportunity. The Eels are keen on a deal for Best.

Mat Croker and Jacob Saifiti are also important retention decisions for the club.

Melbourne Storm

Players off-contract:

Xavier Coates, Jack Hetherington, Jack Howarth, Eliesa Katoa, Josh King, Ativalu Lisati, Cameron Munster, Josiah Pahulu, Trent Toelau, Kelma Tuilagi, Stefano Utoikamanu and Manaia Waitere.

The biggest decision: Cameron Munster

Munster's future could become one of the biggest stories in the NRL.

The Storm star has previously been linked with the PNG Chiefs and will be 33 during the 2028 season.

The situation is even more complicated because Harry Grant has a player option that could allow him to test the market from November 1.

Xavier Coates and Stefano Utoikamanu are also significant retention priorities.

New Zealand Warriors

Players off-contract:

Kurt Capewell, Kahu Capper, Wayde Egan, Samuel Healey, Ali Leiataua, Te Maire Martin and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Player to watch: Wayde Egan

Egan was named the Dally M Hooker of the Year and will be one of the most sought-after dummy-halves if he reaches the open market.

The Warriors have already worked hard to secure their long-term halves combination, making Egan's retention one of their most important remaining priorities.

North Queensland Cowboys

Players off-contract:

Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt, Soni Luke, Jeremiah Nanai, Jason Taumalolo and Viliami Vailea.

Player to watch: Jeremiah Nanai

Nanai remains one of the Cowboys' biggest retention priorities.

The athletic back-rower missed significant time through injury but returned strongly and immediately reminded the competition of his ability.

Jason Taumalolo's future is also worth watching, with the veteran forward approaching the latter stages of his career.

Parramatta Eels

Players off-contract:

Josh Addo-Carr, Jack de Belin, Matt Doorey, Harrison Edwards, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, J’maine Hopgood, Kitione Kautoga, Brian Kelly, William Latu, Luca Moretti, Araz Nanva, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Bailey Simonsson, Ryley Smith, Sam Tuivaiti and Jack Williams.

Player to watch: J’maine Hopgood

Parramatta have a significant amount of work to do, with one of the largest groups of players potentially entering the final year of their contracts.

Hopgood is one of the most important players on that list, while Ryley Smith and Brian Kelly are also players the Eels will want to assess.

Penrith Panthers

Players off-contract:

Nathan Cleary, Sione Fonua, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Isaiah Papali’i, Luron Patea, Billy Scott, Blaize Talagi and Isaah Yeo.

The biggest free-agent battle in the NRL

Penrith have the most important group of off-contract players in the competition.

Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo headline the list, while Liam Martin and Moses Leota are also major decisions.

Reports indicate Penrith are in a strong position to retain Cleary and Yeo, but Martin is seeking a significant pay rise and Leota has previously been given permission to test the market.

The Panthers could therefore have some major salary-cap decisions to make. Watch this space.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Players off-contract:

Euan Aitken, Salesi Ataata, David Fifita, Thomas Fletcher, Bronson Garlick, Jonah Glover, Campbell Graham, Matthew Humphries, Elijah Keung, Edward Kosi, Peter Mamouzelos, Latrell Mitchell, Tyrone Munro, Talanoa Penitani, Latrell Siegwalt, Jayden Sullivan, Isaiah Tass and Jack Wighton.

Player to watch: Latrell Mitchell

Latrell is arguably the biggest name on South Sydney's contract list.

The superstar centre could potentially test the market from November 1, with the Perth Bears among the clubs expected to have significant salary-cap space available, with reports suggesting they could offer him an eye-watering $1.7m a season deal.

David Fifita is also reportedly close to agreeing to an extension, while Campbell Graham, Jack Wighton and Jonah Glover are among the other names to watch.

St George Illawarra Dragons

Players off-contract:

Hayden Buchanan, David Fale, Kyle Flanagan, Clinton Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Josh Kerr, Lyhkan King-Togia, Cyrus Stanley-Traill, Moses Suli and Nick Tsougranis.

Players to watch: Valentine Holmes and Clinton Gutherson

The Dragons have already secured a number of younger players, but their biggest decisions could involve their experienced stars.

Holmes remains an experienced representative player, while Gutherson's position becomes particularly interesting following the arrival of Scott Drinkwater.

Moses Suli has also reportedly been allowed to explore his options.

Sydney Roosters

Players off-contract:

Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Jake Elliott, Salesi Foketi, Spencer Leniu, Taylor Losalu, Junior Pauga, Victor Radley, Cody Ramsey, Billy Smith, James Tedesco, De La Salle Va’a and Sam Walker.

The biggest decision: Sam Walker

Walker has emerged as one of the competition's premier young halves after an outstanding 2026 campaign.

His value has risen considerably following his Origin performances and premiership success, with some reports suggesting Walker would sign a new decade long deal with the Chooks.

The Roosters are expected to make retaining him a priority, although the size of his next contract could have major implications for their salary cap.

James Tedesco and Victor Radley are also major retention decisions.

Wests Tigers

Players off-contract:

Ethan Roberts, Fonua Pole, Jock Madden, Junior Tupou, Latu Fainu, Patrick Herbert, Royce Hunt and Samuela Fainu.

Players to watch: Latu and Samuela Fainu

The Tigers have already made significant progress on their roster, but keeping the Fainu brothers is now a major priority.

Latu is expected to take over the No.6 jersey following Jarome Luai's departure, while Samuela is viewed as a potential future leader.

Fonua Pole is another player whose future will attract attention.

1. Nathan Cleary

If Cleary reaches the open market, he would be one of the most sought-after players in rugby league history.

Penrith are reportedly in a strong position to keep their superstar halfback, but his contract situation will remain one of the biggest stories in the game.

2. Latrell Mitchell

The Rabbitohs superstar could potentially negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.

With expansion clubs entering the competition and salary-cap space available elsewhere, South Sydney will have to make an important decision on one of the NRL's most recognisable players.

3. Cameron Munster

Munster's age, experience and links to the PNG Chiefs make his situation fascinating.

A move would represent one of the biggest changes to the NRL landscape in years.

4. Sam Walker

The Roosters halfback's value has soared after a premiership-winning season.

The Roosters will be desperate to avoid allowing one of the competition's best young halves to reach the open market.

5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

The Dolphins superstar is arguably one of the most dangerous attacking players in the competition.

His combination of speed, power and versatility means there should be enormous interest if he becomes available.

6. Herbie Farnworth

The England international is another Dolphins star whose next contract could be enormous.

The Roosters have reportedly shown interest, although Farnworth has indicated he wants to remain at the Dolphins.

7. Isaah Yeo

Yeo is one of the game's most respected leaders and remains central to Penrith's success.

The Panthers will be desperate to keep their captain alongside Cleary.

8. Tom Trbojevic

Turbo's future will be one of the most fascinating stories of the next 18 months.

Manly must decide whether to continue building around its club superstar or transition towards the next generation.

South Sydney Rabbitohs

The Rabbitohs have one of the largest groups of players coming off-contract, including Latrell Mitchell, David Fifita, Campbell Graham and Jack Wighton.

Parramatta Eels

The Eels also have a huge number of players approaching the final year of their contracts and will need to determine which members of their squad form part of their long-term rebuild.

Dolphins

The Dolphins face perhaps the most difficult retention puzzle because of the sheer quality of their outside backs.

Penrith Panthers

Penrith have fewer players to deal with than some clubs, but the quality of those players is extraordinary.

Keeping Cleary, Yeo and Martin while replacing departing forwards could be one of the biggest salary-cap challenges in the competition.

Melbourne Storm

Munster, Grant, Coates and Utoikamanu headline another enormous list of decisions.

November 1 is one of the most important dates in the NRL recruitment calendar.

Players who are off-contract at the end of 2027 can begin negotiating with rival clubs from that date if they have not already extended their existing deals.

That means clubs have a limited window to secure their stars before other teams can officially enter the race.

With Nathan Cleary, Latrell Mitchell, Cameron Munster, Sam Walker, Herbie Farnworth and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow among the names potentially available, November 1 could trigger one of the most significant recruitment periods in recent NRL history.