November 1 is looming and with it comes the annual feeding frenzy of NRL player movement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Here’s a look at one player every NRL club should target once the market opens – and why they make perfect sense.<\/p>\n
Jump to:\u00a0Broncos <\/a>| Raiders <\/a>| Bulldogs <\/a>| Sharks <\/a>| Dolphins <\/a>| Titans <\/a>| Sea Eagles <\/a>| Storm <\/a>| Knights <\/a>| Warriors <\/a>| Cowboys <\/a>| Eels <\/a>| Panthers <\/a>| Bears <\/a>| Rabbitohs <\/a>| Dragons <\/a>| Roosters <\/a>| Tigers<\/a><\/p>\n Who every NRL club should target on November 1Brisbane Broncos – Thomas Mikaele<\/a><\/p>\n If Payne Haas does decide to chase a record-breaking deal elsewhere, Brisbane will need to strengthen their middle rotation.<\/p>\n Thomas Mikaele, who worked with Michael Maguire at the Tigers<\/a>, offers both familiarity and reliability.<\/p>\n Mikaele wouldn’t be a headline grabber, but as part of a collective approach, he could provide the Broncos<\/a> with some cover for a potential life after Haas.<\/p>\n Canberra Raiders – Jackson Hastings<\/a><\/p>\n The Raiders<\/a> have committed to building around young half Ethan Sanders, but they can’t afford to rush his development without experienced guidance.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n While things went south quickly at the Knights<\/a>, Hastings offers a strong organisational skillset – qualities that Canberra lack after losing Jamal Fogarty and Adam Cook.<\/p>\n Canterbury Bulldogs – Jahream Bula<\/a><\/p>\n The Bulldogs<\/a> search for a long-term fullback could end with Jahream Bula, who looks increasingly unlikely to stay at the Tigers.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cronulla Sharks – Scott Sorensen<\/a><\/p>\n Adding a four-time premiership winner returning to the place where his NRL career began would be a great story.<\/p>\n Scott Sorensen’s work rate, defence, and leadership could be enough to get the Sharks<\/a> over the hump after falling short in 2025.<\/p>\n With several back-rowers off contract soon, Sorensen is a proven winner that would lift the standards and overall professionalism of the club.<\/p>\n Dolphins – Morgan Smithies<\/a><\/p>\n A major concern for\u00a0Kristian Woolf’s Dolphins<\/a> in 2025 was their defensive resolve and lack of grit through the middle.<\/p>\n Morgan Smithies could help solve that with his relentless motor and aggression as the English forward has become a reliable option for the Raiders.<\/p>\n He has found himself stuck behind the dynamic pack in Canberra, typically resigned to coming off the bench.<\/p>\n However, Woolf loves players who compete on every play, and Smithies’ no-nonsense approach would be a perfect fit.<\/p>\n Gold Coast Titans – Jeremiah Nanai<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Hannay’s arrival as head coach demands a marquee signing to signal a new era.<\/p>\n Jeremiah Nanai would be the ideal choice as he already knows Hannay from their time together in Maroons camp.<\/p>\n He’d bring strike to the edge and with David Fifita expected to depart, Nanai could step straight into that role.<\/p>\n Manly Sea Eagles – Francis Molo<\/a><\/p>\n Manly’s forward pack has lacked presence and intimidation for too long.<\/p>\n Francis Molo could change that dynamic from his first carry in maroon and white. He’s an experienced prop who brings toughness and aggression.<\/p>\n At 31, he’s ready-made with no development required which would fit the Sea Eagles<\/a> timeline who seem to want to win now despite their inconsistent form.<\/p>\n Melbourne Storm – Tyrell Sloan<\/a><\/p>\n Tyrell Sloan’s time at the Dragons<\/a> has been uneven, but the talent is undeniable. Melbourne has a history of reviving careers – and this could be another.<\/p>\n With possible departures in their backline, Sloan would offer flexibility as a fullback or winger.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Newcastle Knights – Trai Fuller<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For the Knights, he could provide spark, versatility, and energy to a city in desperate need of some.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Who is off-contract in the NRL? Every player without a deal for 2026 season<\/a><\/p>\n New Zealand Warriors – Paul Alamoti<\/a><\/p>\n The Warriors<\/a>‘ 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.<\/p>\n He’s strong, quick, and capable of locking down a troublesome edge while offering attacking upside at the same time.<\/p>\n With Dallin Watene-Zelezniak\u00a0coming 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.<\/p>\n North Queensland Cowboys – Coby Black<\/a><\/p>\n With Jonah Pezet on his way to Brisbane in 2027, Coby Black’s path to first grade just became a whole lot murkier.<\/p>\n North Queensland are still searching for the right halves partner for Tom Dearden and Black’s long-term upside makes him an exciting option.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Parramatta Eels – Tui Kamikamica<\/a><\/p>\n The Eels desperately need to reinforce their forward pack after watching how their 2025 season played out.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Penrith Panthers – Phillip Sami<\/a><\/p>\n Teams now regularly kick to Brian To’o on last tackle to limit his effect on the game on plays two and three.<\/p>\n Signing Phillip Sami would instantly make that tactic backfire and put opposing teams in a no-win situation.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Perth Bears – Tino Fa’asuamaleaui<\/a><\/p>\n The Perth Bears need a marquee name to establish their identity from day one, and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui fits that billing perfectly.<\/p>\n He’s a premiership-winning leader, a Queensland representative and an Australian international who would set the standard at any club.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n South Sydney Rabbitohs – Te Maire Martin<\/a><\/p>\n Despite finishing 14th in 2025, Wayne Bennett and the Rabbitohs will enter next season believing they are genuine premiership contenders.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n St. George Dragons – Jayden Campbell<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n