November 1 is looming and with it comes the annual feeding frenzy of NRL player movement.
Clubs can officially talk to off-contract stars. While some teams will chase marquee names, others will look for value, depth, or the perfect cultural fit.
Here’s a look at one player every NRL club should target once the market opens – and why they make perfect sense.
Jump to:Â Broncos | Raiders | Bulldogs | Sharks | Dolphins | Titans | Sea Eagles | Storm | Knights | Warriors | Cowboys | Eels | Panthers | Bears | Rabbitohs | Dragons | Roosters | Tigers
Who every NRL club should target on November 1Brisbane Broncos – Thomas Mikaele
If Payne Haas does decide to chase a record-breaking deal elsewhere, Brisbane will need to strengthen their middle rotation.
Thomas Mikaele, who worked with Michael Maguire at the Tigers, offers both familiarity and reliability.
Mikaele wouldn’t be a headline grabber, but as part of a collective approach, he could provide the Broncos with some cover for a potential life after Haas.
Canberra Raiders – Jackson Hastings
The Raiders have committed to building around young half Ethan Sanders, but they can’t afford to rush his development without experienced guidance.
At this stage in his career, Jackson Hastings could fit that mentor role perfectly and even compete with Sanders for the starting job in 2026.
While things went south quickly at the Knights, Hastings offers a strong organisational skillset – qualities that Canberra lack after losing Jamal Fogarty and Adam Cook.
Canterbury Bulldogs – Jahream Bula
The Bulldogs search for a long-term fullback could end with Jahream Bula, who looks increasingly unlikely to stay at the Tigers.
Bula’s upside makes him an ideal fit for Cameron Ciraldo’s rebuild, and reuniting him with Lachlan Galvin would add chemistry which was sorely lacking in the Bulldogs spine this past season.
For a club looking to build a genuine premiership core for the future, Bula could become the face of their backline for the next decade.
Cronulla Sharks – Scott Sorensen
Adding a four-time premiership winner returning to the place where his NRL career began would be a great story.
Scott Sorensen’s work rate, defence, and leadership could be enough to get the Sharks over the hump after falling short in 2025.
With several back-rowers off contract soon, Sorensen is a proven winner that would lift the standards and overall professionalism of the club.
A major concern for Kristian Woolf’s Dolphins in 2025 was their defensive resolve and lack of grit through the middle.
Morgan Smithies could help solve that with his relentless motor and aggression as the English forward has become a reliable option for the Raiders.
He has found himself stuck behind the dynamic pack in Canberra, typically resigned to coming off the bench.
However, Woolf loves players who compete on every play, and Smithies’ no-nonsense approach would be a perfect fit.
Gold Coast Titans – Jeremiah Nanai
Josh Hannay’s arrival as head coach demands a marquee signing to signal a new era.
Jeremiah Nanai would be the ideal choice as he already knows Hannay from their time together in Maroons camp.
He’d bring strike to the edge and with David Fifita expected to depart, Nanai could step straight into that role.
Manly Sea Eagles – Francis Molo
Manly’s forward pack has lacked presence and intimidation for too long.
Francis Molo could change that dynamic from his first carry in maroon and white. He’s an experienced prop who brings toughness and aggression.
At 31, he’s ready-made with no development required which would fit the Sea Eagles timeline who seem to want to win now despite their inconsistent form.
Melbourne Storm – Tyrell Sloan
Tyrell Sloan’s time at the Dragons has been uneven, but the talent is undeniable. Melbourne has a history of reviving careers – and this could be another.
With possible departures in their backline, Sloan would offer flexibility as a fullback or winger.
Under Craig Bellamy, he’d have the environment to rebuild confidence and fulfil his long-touted potential as one of the NRL’s most exciting young talents.
Newcastle Knights – Trai Fuller
Trai Fuller’s perseverance to not only reach the NRL, but take it by storm in the way that he has is an incredible story.
For the Knights, he could provide spark, versatility, and energy to a city in desperate need of some.
Given how the Knights’ roster is currently constructed, Fuller would fit as a bench utility who new coach Justin Holbrook can deploy when he feels his side needs a boost.
MORE:Â Who is off-contract in the NRL? Every player without a deal for 2026 season
New Zealand Warriors – Paul Alamoti
The Warriors‘ right-edge defence was their Achilles heel throughout 2025 and Paul Alamoti could be the solution, having refined his defensive craft in the Penrith system.
He’s strong, quick, and capable of locking down a troublesome edge while offering attacking upside at the same time.
With Dallin Watene-Zelezniak coming off contract at the end of 2027, Alamoti could be a productive succession plan while also competing with DWZ for minutes in the short-term.
North Queensland Cowboys – Coby Black
With Jonah Pezet on his way to Brisbane in 2027, Coby Black’s path to first grade just became a whole lot murkier.
North Queensland are still searching for the right halves partner for Tom Dearden and Black’s long-term upside makes him an exciting option.
Keeping a local Queensland talent in-state while building around Dearden would be a smart long-term play for a team that’s lacked clarity in the halves.
Parramatta Eels – Tui Kamikamica
The Eels desperately need to reinforce their forward pack after watching how their 2025 season played out.
Tui Kamikamica would bring a combination of power and experience to their team and Jason Ryles knows him well from their shared time at the Storm.
Kamikamica is ready to take on a bigger role in the NRL, and a fresh start in blue and gold could unlock the best football of his career.
Penrith Panthers – Phillip Sami
Teams now regularly kick to Brian To’o on last tackle to limit his effect on the game on plays two and three.
Signing Phillip Sami would instantly make that tactic backfire and put opposing teams in a no-win situation.
Sami is a strong ball carrier out of his own end and brings a level of finishing power and athleticism that would make the Panthers even harder to contain on both edges.
Perth Bears – Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
The Perth Bears need a marquee name to establish their identity from day one, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui fits that billing perfectly.
He’s a premiership-winning leader, a Queensland representative and an Australian international who would set the standard at any club.
With Tino set to officially test the open market, the Bears should throw the kitchen sink at him and pray that he agrees to be their captain, culture-setter and long-term cornerstone.
South Sydney Rabbitohs – Te Maire Martin
Despite finishing 14th in 2025, Wayne Bennett and the Rabbitohs will enter next season believing they are genuine premiership contenders.
However, their next move in the halves will be a defining moment for the club and Te Maire Martin is a steady, experienced organiser who is too good to be a second-string option in New Zealand.
With Cody Walker nearing retirement, Souths need a playmaker who can take control and lead the side through transition and Martin’s been part of big moments and grand finals.
St. George Dragons – Jayden Campbell
The Dragons can’t afford to roll into 2027 with their current halves pairing, as Shane Flanagan is likely to be on a very short leash if he doesn’t turn things around next year.
Jayden Campbell showed flashes that he could be a franchise playmaker in 2025. His versatility allows him to play halfback, five-eighth or fullback, and he’s the type of player fans pay to watch.
There’s risk involved given that they would likely have to throw a lot of money at him to wrestle him from the Titans, but if the Dragons want to excite their supporter base, Campbell is the sort of bold move they need.
Sydney Roosters – Reuben Garrick
Reuben Garrrick would be an excellent fit for a Roosters side that is losing Mark Nawaqanitawase and preparing for the retirement of Daniel Tupou.
Garrick is a proven finisher who provides high effort and can play either centre, wing or fullback without issue.
As the Roosters look to continue building their roster, they could capitalise on the dysfunction on the Northern Beaches and snare Garrick away from their rivals.
Benji Marshall’s Tigers are still finding their identity, and Nick Meaney would be the ultimate ‘glue guy’ to accelerate the process. He can play almost anywhere in the backline or halves.
Coming from Melbourne’s winning system, Meaney brings professionalism, versatility, and consistency – three traits the Tigers desperately need.
He’s the type of player that raises standards around him, helping the Tigers bridge the gap between rebuilding and becoming competitive again.