NRL November 1 Targets: Every Club’s Priority Signing

The NRL’s November 1 transfer window is approaching, with Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and a host of other big names set to attract attention as clubs look to strengthen their squads for 2027 and beyond.

The countdown is on to one of the most important dates on the NRL recruitment calendar, with clubs preparing for another major round of contract negotiations.

The PNG Chiefs and Perth Bears are expected to play significant roles in the market as they continue building their rosters, while established clubs will be working to retain their stars and identify opportunities to improve their premiership chances.

With the market approaching, here is one priority target for every club.

Brisbane Broncos — Xavier Willison

Brisbane's recruitment priorities will be shaped by its need to maintain a powerful forward pack. Xavier Willison is a key player to retain, particularly with Payne Haas moving to South Sydney.

The Broncos will need to ensure they have enough depth and impact through the middle if they are to remain premiership contenders.

The Broncos are reported to have offered Willison a deal worth $1m per season, but the deal is yet to be completed.

Canberra Raiders — Hudson Young

Keeping Hudson Young should be high on Canberra's priority list. His aggression, work rate and attacking ability make him an important part of the Raiders' forward pack.

With rival clubs and the PNG Chiefs looking to strengthen their rosters, Canberra will need to make a strong case for him to remain.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs — Matt Burton/Zane Harrison

Matt Burton remains a major player to watch as the November market approaches. His kicking game, versatility and ability to create opportunities make him an important part of Canterbury's long-term plans. The Bulldogs will want to keep their playmaker while continuing to improve the roster around him.

The Dogs have also been linked with a $900,000 per season deal for Titans half Zane Harrison. If Burton fails to agree an extension, Harrison looks like he will be their top target.

Dolphins — Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow/Herbie Farnworth

The Dolphins' priority should be keeping Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow. The fullback's speed and ability to turn half-chances into tries make him one of the club's most valuable attacking players.

Retaining him alongside Herbie Farnworth would help preserve the Dolphins' attacking identity as rival clubs assess their recruitment options. Keeping these two is key if the Dolphins want to keep pushing for their first premiership.

Gold Coast Titans — Zane Harrison

Zane Harrison is one of the most intriguing young players to watch in the upcoming market. Contract negotiations with the Titans have attracted attention, with rival clubs, including the Chiefs and Bulldogs monitoring the situation. Securing the young playmaker would give Gold Coast an important piece of its future spine.

Manly Sea Eagles — Harry Grant

Manly could make a major statement by pursuing Harry Grant. The Storm hooker is expected to assess his options after the World Cup, and the Sea Eagles have been reported among the clubs interested in his services.

Grant would provide Manly with an elite dummy-half option and strengthen its attacking spine. The challenge will be convincing him to leave Melbourne and structuring a deal that fits the club's salary cap.

Melbourne Storm — Harry Grant

Melbourne's biggest priority is of course retaining Grant. His combination with Cameron Munster and the Storm's other attacking players has made him central to their success.

Grant's decision not to exercise his 2028 contract option has opened the door for rival clubs to make their interest known. Losing him would force Melbourne to find a replacement for one of the game's most influential hookers.

Newcastle Knights — Sam Tuivaiti

For a smaller fee than a more established forward, Sam Tuivaiti fits the Knights MO when it comes to signings forward talent.

Big potential, young, but have good game time under their belt. Tuivaiti ticks all three of those boxes, and seeing the recent development of other young forwards would be very enticing for him.

North Queensland Cowboys — Tom Dearden

North Queensland's long-term spine remains central to its premiership ambitions. Tom Dearden is an important player for the Cowboys, and retaining him should take precedence over chasing another marquee halfback.

If the club identifies an opportunity to add a high-quality forward or outside back, it could explore the market, but keeping its established playmakers together is the more immediate priority.

Parramatta Eels — Matt Burton

Parramatta could benefit from another high-level playmaker as they continues to reshape their roster. Burton would be an ambitious target if he became available, bringing a strong kicking game and the ability to play in the halves or centres.

However, any move would depend on Canterbury's contract position and whether the Eels could accommodate another major signing.

Penrith Panthers — Nathan Cleary

Nathan Cleary remains the player Penrith must build around. His game management, kicking and leadership make him one of the most influential players in the competition.

The Panthers' challenge is ensuring their roster remains competitive while managing their salary cap. Retaining Cleary and their core group should be the priority before considering expensive additions from elsewhere.

South Sydney Rabbitohs — Cameron Munster

South Sydney could explore the possibility of adding another elite playmaker if Cameron Munster becomes available. The Rabbitohs have ambitions of returning to the premiership conversation, and an experienced five-eighth would be a significant addition.

Munster's future remains uncertain, however, and any pursuit would depend on his preferences, Melbourne's position and South Sydney's financial flexibility. With Cody Walker in the back end of his career, a big half would be a huge boost for Souths.

St George Illawarra Dragons — Harry Grant

The Dragons have been linked with interest in Grant as they look to strengthen their spine. Landing an elite hooker could help improve their attacking consistency and provide a foundation for their next phase of recruitment.

The club would need to compete with Manly, Newcastle, the PNG Chiefs and other interested sides, making Grant one of the most significant potential signings of the November market.

With Connor Watson only on their books for 2027, a big hooker deal would be massive for the Dragons.

Sydney Roosters — Herbie Farnworth

Herbie Farnworth would be a major addition to the Roosters' outside backs if he became available. His strength, defensive reliability and ability to finish attacking movements would make him an attractive option for a club that regularly targets established representative players.

The Dolphins would have strong reasons to retain him, meaning any potential move would be difficult to complete.

New Zealand Warriors — Isaiah Papali’i

A return back to New Zealand for Isaiah Papali’i would be a great buy. After a great 2026 plenty of teams are likely to be keen on securing his services.

The fact he is from New Zealand and is a former player could factor into making this deal heppen.

Wests Tigers — Fonua Pole

Fonua Pole is an important player for the Tigers as they continue building their forward pack. Retaining young, powerful forwards would give the club a foundation to build around, particularly as it looks to improve its consistency against the competition's stronger sides.

The Tigers could also explore experienced options if the right opportunity emerges, but keeping their developing talent should remain a priority.

Perth Bears — Cameron Munster/Latrell Mitchell

The incoming Perth Bears have the opportunity to make a statement with a marquee signing as they prepare for their inaugural NRL campaign.

Munster would be an ambitious target if he became available, offering experience, creativity and a proven record in big games. The Bears will need to assess which established stars are genuinely attainable and how a marquee signing fits into the construction of their first roster.

Mitchell gives the Bears experience, physicality, versatility, and a goal kicking option. They have been linked with a HUGE $1.7m per season deal, he's not worth that much, but if they can get a more reasonable deal, he would be a massive signing.

1. Harry Grant's next move: His decision could influence the recruitment plans of several clubs, particularly those searching for an elite hooker.

2. Cameron Munster's future: Melbourne's contract situation could become a major storyline if rival clubs make a serious approach.

3. Zane Harrison's negotiations: The Titans youngster's future is worth following as he weighs up his next contract.

4. The Perth Bears' marquee signing: Perth will be looking to add quality and experience as it prepares for its first season.

November 1 will be an important date for clubs seeking to negotiate with eligible players whose contracts expire at the end of 2027. It does not mean every player becomes a free agent or can immediately switch clubs.

The coming weeks should provide a clearer picture of which stars are committed to their current teams, which players are prepared to explore their options and which clubs are willing to make significant offers.

With Grant, Munster and Harrison among the names attracting attention, the next phase of recruitment could have a major impact on the NRL's competitive landscape.